Fernández-Vega Clinic - Macular Epiretinal Membrane
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MACULAR EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE

In the following video, Dr Álvaro Fernández-Vega explains the causes, symptoms and treatments of macular epiretinal membrane.

MACULAR EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE

The retina is a neural tissue that lines the inner wall of the eye. It is not a regular tissue, but brain tissue (composed of specialised neurons) responsible for visual recognition. As it is made of brain cells, organised in highly structured layers, any aspect that alters it represents a severe problem.

CAUSES

A tissue called Macular Epiretinal Membrane grows over the retina of some individuals.

This tissue is located in the Macula, area of the retina responsible for central vision.

The Macular Epiretinal Membrane usually grows when there is a detachment of the posterior vitreous. The cells of the vitreous humour that remain isolated on the retina multiply forming this tissue.

SYMPTOMS

Many individuals who have this macular epiretinal membrane are unaware of the fact, as this pathology can be asymptomatic. This is due to the fact that these membranes are transparent and allow images to properly reach the eye fundus. However, in a small percentage of patients these membranes contract, and as they are adhered to the retina they crumple its central area, causing the patient to loose central vision, the solution may consist on surgery.

TREATMENT

Some cases may require surgery and in such cases a Vitrectomy, the main surgical technique in retina, will be performed.

Vitrectomy  allows access to the retina to remove the vitreous humour, colour dye the membranes to be able to see them and remove them by peeling them off the surface of the retina with pincers.