Ageing usually takes a toll on our eyes. It is only natural that changes occur in our eyes as we age. Unfortunately, it is also unavoidable that ageing causes many eye conditions that mostly affect the retina. As the retina is known as the lens of our eyes where the light passes through and enables us to see, once the retina is damaged or affected in any way, we can expect that our vision will be greatly affected as well.
One of these conditions that affect the retina is the formation and development of epiretinal membranes. Epiretinal membranes (ERMs), also known as cellophane maculopathy or macular puckers, are usually thin and transparent that forms like a film on the inner surface (macula) of the retina. The macula is made up of special nerve cells that provide our sharp central vision needed for seeing fine detail (reading and driving etc.). When an epiretinal membrane forms over the macula, it may contract and wrinkle the macula resulting in distorted and/or blurred vision.
It is usually confused with macular degeneration but they are not related to each other. ERMs are quite common and affect people who are more advanced in years usually 60 years old and above (more than 10% of reported cases).
Dr Claudine Pang, a recognized eye specialist in Singapore answers through this article some frequently asked questions regarding epiretinal membranes. Here we discuss a variety of topics of epiretinal membranes from its different causes to available treatments, and what to expect after treatment. So if you are one of those people suspecting of having epiretinal membranes developing in your eyes, continue reading on so that you will have the knowledge on what to do on next.
Why do I have epiretinal membranes developing in my retina?
Aside from ageing, here are the possible reasons why epiretinal membranes may develop in the retina of your eyes:
- You have recently been involved in eye injuries
- You have undergone an eye surgery
- You are suffering from existing medical conditions such as retinal vascular diseases, an eye condition that involves the eye’s blood vessels, and diabetes
How are epiretinal membranes diagnosed?
The development of epiretinal membranes is not seen by the naked eye. If you are experiencing blurry visions, have been seeing wavy lines instead of straight lines lately, or fits the description of the reasons why epiretinal membranes develop, the best way to know for sure is to have your eye examined.
See to it that you contact credible and trusted eye clinics, such as the one headed by Dr. Claudine Pangif you decide to have your eyes tested.
Your doctor may subject you to an examination that involves scanning of the back of the eye (Optical Coherence Tomography) to confirm the presence of an epiretinal membrane. You will also be asked a lot of questions about your symptoms, like for example, the blurring of your eyes already affects your day to day activities. It is important that you should be honest to your doctor about your medical history. From the result of the special scan and the doctor’s assessment, you will be able to know if your case needs to be treated with surgery.
What type of surgery is performed to treat epiretinal membranes?
The only available treatment for epiretinal membranes is called a vitrectomy. This is the most common procedure being done to treat retina related eye conditions.This procedure involves creating a small incision in the affected eye then the vitreous, gel-like structure located inside the eye is removed. When it is removed, the epiretinal membranes are removed with it. It will then be replaced by a saline solution to keep the pressure in the eye normal. Once the surgery is done, the affected eye is covered with a shield or pad to protect it from further infection or surgery.
Don’t worry as local or general anaesthesia is firstly administered before proceeding with the procedure. This is also an outpatient type of surgery. It means that you can go home right after surgery, there is no need to stay overnight at the clinic or hospital.
What should I expect after a vitrectomy?
Majority of those who have undergone through a vitrectomy have improved vision, thus are considered successful. If you just have had a vitrectomy, you can expect the following:
- 75% chance of improvement of symptoms • 20% chance of no improvement of symptoms • 5% chance of worsening of symptoms
Just like any surgery, vitrectomy also has its risks. Some of the risks of vitrectomy are as follows:
- Risk of having an infection or endophthalmitis; however, the chance of getting this is low.
- Risk of bleeding; this can occur around the eye and can cause vision loss.
- Risk of a retinal tear or detachment
- Progression of cataract. If you have not had cataracts yet, having a vitrectomy will increase the chance of speeding up cataract development.
To make sure that your eyes receive the best eye assessment and treatments, go to the best eye surgeons in Singapore. Make sure to add Dr. Claudine Pang to your choices in your search for your eye specialist.
Dr Claudine Pang
#15-10 The Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd,
Singapore 238859
+65 6732 1741
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