Table of Contents
What is an eye membrane?
An epiretinal membrane is a thin sheet of fibrous tissue that develops on the surface of the macula and can cause problems with central vision. An epiretinal membrane is a thin sheet of fibrous tissue that develops on the surface of the macula and can cause problems with central vision.
What is the recovery time for epiretinal membrane surgery?
Vitrectomy surgery for epiretinal membrane is safe and painless. Recovery is very quick and most patients can see an improvement within 2 weeks after surgery. The redness around the eye will take 2 weeks to disappear.
What is the success rate of epiretinal membrane surgery?
Purpose: Surgery has been successful in removing epiretinal membranes (ERM) from the macula, allowing some improvement in vision in 80-90\% of patients; however, complications are relatively frequent.
Can you go blind from epiretinal membrane?
An epiretinal membrane does not make an eye go completely blind. It typically affects only the center area of vision and does not cause a loss of the peripheral (side) vision.
What causes a membrane in the eye?
ERMs can be associated with a number of ocular conditions such as prior retinal tears or detachment, retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or venous occlusive disease; they can also be post-traumatic, occuring following ocular surgery, or be associated with intraocular (inside the eye) inflammation.
When should an epiretinal membrane be removed?
There is no wrong or right time to have epiretinal membrane surgery. Some people may choose not to have surgery and to accept the distorted vision in one eye. If you have good vision in the other eye, over time you will adapt to the distorted vision in the affected eye and this may no longer bother you.
How much does epiretinal membrane surgery cost?
Cost Estimates and Present Value Analysis
| Service | CPT Code | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Epiretinal membrane surgery | ||
| Initial office consultation | 99254 | $139 |
| ERM surgery | 67038 | $1,430 |
| Pars plana vitrectomy | 67036 | $409⁎ |
Is epiretinal membrane progressive?
Studies have shown that most epiretinal membranes do not grow or cause progressive blurring or distortion of vision. However, about 10\% of eyes with epiretinal membranes develop progressive reduction of vision.
What are the symptoms of epiretinal membrane?
Symptoms
- Decreased vision or loss of central vision. Central vision allows the eyes to see ahead to read or drive or see fine details.
- Distorted or blurred vision.
- Double vision.
- Wavy vision.
- Problems reading small print.
Is epiretinal membrane a disease?
An Epiretinal Membrane or ERM is a condition in which a clear, transparent and very thin layer of fibrous cellular material forms on the surface of the retina. The macula is affected in this condition and it causes blurred or distorted vision.
Is epiretinal membrane the same as macular degeneration?
Epiretinal membranes are not related to macular degeneration. Epiretinal membranes can but often do not usually affect the other eye. They are quite common and affect up to 10\% of people in later years (60 years or older).
What is the cause of epiretinal membrane?
In the majority of cases, Epiretinal membranes happen as a part of the normal aging process in which changes occur inside the eye. It is common in people who are over the age of 50. The key cause of this condition is the vitreous gel peels away from the retina. It may also form following a retinal or eye surgery.