Epiretinal membranes are thin transparent fibrous layers of tissues formed on the internal layer of retina. These membranes generally occur in people who are above 50 years. In most cases patients do not need treatment. In few cases when the severity increases, epiretinal membrane surgery is suggested. As there is no other treatment than surgery, the membrane is peeled off from the retina after performing vitrectomy on patient’s eye.
The other cases when vitrectomy is performed on a patient’s eye are for macular hole treatment. A macular hole is a small break in the macula(responsible for sharp and central vision like reading and driving, is the central part of retina). Macular holes are generally related to people who are over 60 years. The location and size of the hole on the retina decide the effect on person’s vision. When a stage 3 hole develops, detailed vision can be lost and if left untreated can lead to retinal detachment and sight threatening condition.
Eyes’ most interior part is filled with vitreous, which is a gel like substance that helps to maintain the round shape of an eye. As a person ages, vitreous shrinks slowly and pulls away from retinal surface. If vitreous is firmly attached to retina when it pulls away, it can tear retina and cause a macular hole. The natural fluid that replaces vitreous seeps through the hole onto macula and cause blurring and vision distortion. These holes can also occur in cases like high myopia, injury to eyes, retinal detachment and macular pucker (very rarely).
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