What is Epiretinal Membrane?

Epiretinal membrane is a condition in which a thin layer of membrane develops on the surface of the retina. This membrane can lead to vision loss, especially if it is located in the center of the retina, called the macula, which is responsible for visual acuity. The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina. It performs complex visual functions such as seeing small details, reading, writing and perceiving colors. If the epiretinal membrane affects this sensitive area, central vision can be impaired. As a result, the epiretinal membrane can lead to poor detailed and sharp vision and significant vision problems in everyday life.

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What are the Symptoms of Epiretinal Membrane?

When an epiretinal membrane develops, the first symptoms experienced by patients are usually manifested by the deterioration of central vision. This is a common feature of macular diseases. Patients often complain that there is something blocking their central field of vision. Decreased visual acuity causes difficulty in daily activities, especially when reading written texts or looking directly at objects in front of them.

This is manifested by complaints such as perceiving objects as different, curved or trapezoidal (metamorphopsia) and seeing them larger (macropsia) or smaller (micropsia) than their actual size. These visual disturbances are caused by the epiretinal membrane affecting the sensitive functions of the macula. This can seriously affect patients’ quality of life.

How is Epiretinal Membrane Treatment Performed?

As long as the presence of the epiretinal membrane does not cause vision loss, it is followed up at regular intervals. This follow-up process is usually carried out in periods of 2-4 months. However, in case of loss of central vision, surgical intervention is necessary. In this case, the treatment option is usually a retinal surgery called pars plana vitrectomy.

During this surgical procedure, three different entry points are created in the eye. Fluid is introduced into the eye through the first port, while a light source and vitreous cutter are inserted through the other two ports. The vitreous is a gel-like fluid that fills the back cavity of the eye. This fluid is divided into small pieces with the help of a very thin instrument and sucked out of the eye.

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In cases where the vitreous is tightly adherent to the macula, this adhesion is carefully separated. Then, the epiretinal membrane in front of the macula is carefully peeled away to remove any shrinkage. After the epiretinal membrane is completely removed from the eye, a long-lasting gas is introduced into the eye. In order for this gas to settle properly and for the surgical procedure to be successful, the patient must lie in the prone position for several days. This period usually varies between 2 and 5 days. This position helps to prevent the gas inside the eye from pressing against the retina and preventing the membrane from forming again.

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How Long Does Epiretinal Membrane Surgery Take?

Epiretinal membrane surgery may take longer depending on the needs of the patient and the size of the area. In addition, the preferred treatment method also affects the process. Therefore, more than one answer can be given to the question “How long does epiretinal membrane surgery take?”. However, to give a general answer; epiretinal membrane surgery can take 1 to 2 hours.
Epiretinal Membran Tedavisi

Epiretinal Membrane Treatment

There are no eye drops or medications for the treatment of epiretinal membranes. In the early stages of the disease, treatment is not needed as vision loss is usually mild. During this period, regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist experienced in retinal surgery are very important.

At this stage, epiretinal membrane treatment is considered adequate, especially in combination with retinal tomography. These follow-ups are important to monitor the progression of the disease and to make the necessary intervention in time. However, when the quality of vision is significantly reduced and this affects activities of daily living, surgical intervention becomes inevitable.

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At this point, surgery is the most appropriate and beneficial solution both to preserve visual function and to improve quality of life. The decision for surgery should be meticulously evaluated according to the degree of vision loss and its effects on the patient's daily life. A surgical decision taken at the right time in this process can make a positive difference in the patient's life.

Epiretinal Membrane Surgery Results

Epiretinal membrane surgery patients feel more comfortable in seeing small details, reading, writing and perceiving colors. This situation, which directly affects their social lives, makes a significant difference. Those who have epiretinal membrane surgery can get rid of the problems they experience in the macula, the most sensitive part of the retina. This eliminates the risk of serious eye problems.

After Epiretinal Membrane Surgery

There are some important points that patients should pay attention to during the recovery process after epiretinal membrane surgery. Following the surgery, it is critical to follow the eye drop treatment prescribed by the doctor meticulously for a healthy healing process.

If a gas or air tamponade was placed in the eye during surgery, patients should lie face down for the prescribed period. It is also important to avoid contact with water for the first three days after surgery and to avoid activities such as sea, pool, Turkish bath and sauna for two to three weeks. If a tamponade has been placed in the eye, the patient may experience temporary loss of vision until the tamponade is removed.

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As the gas or air is gradually removed from the eye, vision gradually returns, starting from the upper part. If no tamponade has been placed, the patient starts to see the next day after surgery. However, the image may be blurred in the first days. Within a week, vision starts to become clearer. This process continues rapidly, especially in the first month. The quality of vision improves and the healing process continues for six months.

If micro-threads were used in the eye during surgery, you may experience a slight stinging sensation during the first month. However, this is a natural part of the healing process. It usually goes away on its own after a while. To have a comfortable postoperative period after epiretinal membrane surgery, it is very important to follow the doctor's recommendations and keep regular check-ups for a healthy recovery.

Epiretinal Membran Ameliyatı Sonrası

Epiretinal Membrane Surgery Costs

Epiretinal membrane surgery costs vary depending on the needs of the patient and the size of the problem. If the patient does not need surgery, the costs are determined accordingly. However, costs may increase in cases that require surgery. Apart from these details, epiretinal membrane surgery costs may vary depending on the equipment and location of the hospital, the experience of the doctor, and the quality of the equipment used.

Frequently Asked Questions About Epiretinal Membrane

Yes, epiretinal membrane can be treated. However, treatment options do not include the use of eye drops or medication.
Epiretinal membrane, which can lead to vision loss, is a very dangerous disease.
Epiretinal membrane is usually seen in people over the age of 50. Epiretinal membrane can also be seen in people with retinal tears and trauma to the eye.
An eye drop examination is performed to detect epiretinal membrane. Optical coherence tomography test is performed to determine whether the person has epiretinal membrane.
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