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What is an Epiretinal Membrane?

An epiretinal membrane (ERM), also known as a cellophane membrane or macular pucker, is a thin layer of scar-like tissue that forms on the surface of the retina, which supports central vision. It commonly develops with age and may also occur after retinal conditions, eye inflammation, or eye surgery. This membrane can shrink or contract, causing the retina to wrinkle and potentially leading to blurred or distorted vision.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Early diagnosis helps monitor vision changes and determine whether treatment is needed. Mild or stable cases may only require regular eye examinations and OCT scans. If the membrane significantly affects vision or daily activities, surgery may improve or stabilise sight. Regular follow-up helps guide treatment decisions and identify changes that may require further assessment.

What are the common symptoms of an Epiretinal Membrane?

  • Distorted vision
  • Wavy lines in the centre of vision
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty reading or recognising faces
  • Blurry vision
  • Color distortion
  • Decreased central vision

Symptoms may vary depending on the membrane's severity. Some people have no noticeable symptoms, particularly in the early stages

Causes and Risk Factors of Epiretinal Membrane

Causes

  • Age-related changes: The natural changes in the eye with aging can cause a membrane to form.
  • Changes in the vitreous: As the gel inside the eye changes with age, it can press upon the retina and may trigger scar-like tissue formation.
  • Eye inflammation: Inflammation within the eye can result in the development of this membrane.
  • Retinal problems: A retinal tear, detachment, or other retinal disease can sometimes cause an epiretinal membrane.

Risk Factors

  • Older age
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Previous eye injury or trauma
  • A history of inflammation inside the eye.

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Epiretinal Membrane in singapore

  • Recent advances in epiretinal membrane (ERM) management in Singapore include high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detailed retinal imaging and monitoring, alongside research into predictive analytics to improve surgical planning and visual outcome assessment. Research is also exploring OCT angiography to assess changes in macular blood flow after vitrectomy and membrane peeling. For symptomatic cases, minimally invasive vitrectomy with membrane peeling remains the established surgical treatment.

Treatment options for Epiretinal Membrane

Vitrectomy : it is a minimally invasive eye surgery used when an epiretinal membrane significantly affects vision. During the procedure, the surgeon makes tiny openings in the eye to remove the vitreous gel, then carefully peels the membrane away from the retina's surface. This can help reduce blurred or distorted vision and may improve or stabilise eyesight.

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  • Clinical assessment:
    • Visual acuity test: Checks how clearly the patient can see from various distances.
    • Amsler grid test: Helps detect distortion, such as straight lines appearing wavy.
    • Slit-lamp examination: Allows the detailed examination of the front and back of the eye.
    • Dilated eye examination: The doctor dilates the pupil with eye drops to examine the retina and macula.
    • Symptom assessment: The doctor takes a detailed history of symptoms such as blurred vision, distorted vision, difficulty reading, or changes in vision.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • Optical coherence tomography: This imaging test provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing your eye care professional to assess the thickness and characteristics of the epiretinal membrane
    • Fluorescein angiography: Your doctor may perform this test if they suspect an additional retinal issue or want to assess leakage from the retinal blood vessels.

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  • In some cases, the doctor may recommend supportive medications, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with the epiretinal membrane. If symptoms are mild, doctors may recommend regular monitoring instead of medication.

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Hospitals for Epiretinal Membrane in Singapore

Parkway East Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Parkway East Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Total capacity for 143 beds
  • Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
  • All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
  • Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
  • 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
  • 1 Nursery with 30 cots
  • 1 Parentcraft room
  • 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
  • 24-hour Pharmacy
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Farrer Park Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Farrer Park Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Farrer Park Hospital located in Connexion, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A medical centre is linked to the Farrer Park Hospital Complex, Connexion, Singapore
  • The focus of the hospital is to bring together two essential elements: those of healthcare combined with hospitality.
  • There is a building with 20 different stories which comprises Owen Link, hotel and spa.
  • Personal attention and patient care focus is maintained with a system in place of listening, analysing, evaluating and then implementing a treatment plan.
  • 121 bed capacity
  • Technology and innovations help provide the best of medical and surgical treatment options.
  • Professionally implemented international patient care systems
  • Suites: Cardiovascular, day surgery, endoscopy, major surgery, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and inpatient suite
  • Diagnostic imaging and intensive care unit
  • 24 hour emergency clinic and pharmacy
  • Facilities such as dialysis, nutrition services, rehab centre, and teaching clinic
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Why Choose singapore for Epiretinal Membrane Treatment?

  • Specialised eye care: Patients can see ophthalmologists specialising in retinal diseases and vitreoretinal surgery at centres that offer these services.
  • Advanced diagnostic facilities: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) helps specialists assess the macula, identify retinal distortion, and plan appropriate treatment.
  • Surgical treatment options: Selected hospitals provide vitreoretinal surgery, including vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes that significantly affect vision.
  • Coordinated eye care: Depending on the hospital, patients may receive diagnosis, surgical care, and postoperative monitoring through the same ophthalmology service.
  • International patient support: Many hospitals assist with appointments, travel, accommodation, and communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery from an epiretinal membrane depends on whether surgery is required. After a vitrectomy with membrane peeling, vision typically improves gradually over several weeks to months, with potential for further improvement continuing for 6 to 12 months. Exact recovery time varies based on the retina's condition and the membrane's severity.

Yes, you can walk with an epiretinal membrane; it affects the retina. if your vision is significantly blurred or distorted, be careful on stairs, uneven surfaces, or while walking outdoors. If you have recently undergone vitrectomy surgery, follow your eye surgeon’s instructions about activity and recovery.

Yes, some specialized eye hospitals in singapore utilize advanced technology for the diagnosis and treatment of epiretinal membrane (ERM). This includes high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, small-gauge vitrectomy systems, advanced surgical microscopes, and specialised tools for membrane peeling. The specific equipment and services available vary by hospital. Patients should confirm the facilities offered by their chosen centre and discuss the most appropriate treatment with a vitreoretinal specialist.

Before choosing a recognised eye institute, research the doctor's experience, patient testimonials, hospital facilities, and access to advanced treatments to find the best doctor and hospital in Singapore for vitreoretinal procedures. You can also get support from a MediGence medical tourism facilitator to help you choose the best doctor and facility.

The outcome of epiretinal membrane surgery depends on the severity of retinal distortion, the health of the macula, the presence of other eye conditions, and the patient’s preoperative vision. Many patients experience improved or stabilised vision after surgery, although some distortion may remain. Your vitreoretinal surgeon can discuss the likely benefits and risks based on your OCT findings and eye examination.

Singapore has ophthalmology centres that provide vitreoretinal specialist services for retinal conditions. When choosing a doctor, consider their experience with epiretinal issues, the number and types of endothelial procedures they perform, and the quality of the hospital’s diagnostic and postoperative facilities.

Epiretinal membrane surgery is typically considered safe; however, it carries risks similar to any surgical intervention. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, elevated eye pressure, new or worsening cataracts, and retinal swelling. Your eye doctor will review these risks with you before surgery, taking into account your specific eye condition.

Seek urgent eye care if you experience sudden vision loss, new flashes or floaters, or a dark curtain or shadow in your vision. These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear, retinal detachment, or another urgent eye condition rather than ERM progression. Avoid driving if your vision is affected, and do not rub or press the eye if it has been injured.

An epiretinal membrane does not usually cause physical deformities. However, if it becomes severe or remains untreated, it can sometimes cause long-term blurred or distorted vision. Treatment can help manage these vision changes, although some patients may have lasting visual effects even after surgery.

Yes, an epiretinal membrane can affect quality of life if it leads to blurred or distorted vision. You may find it harder to do things like reading, driving, using a computer or phone, and recognizing faces. How this affects each person is different, and with proper monitoring or treatment, these vision problems can be managed.

In some people, an untreated epiretinal membrane may cause persistent blurred or distorted vision. In more serious cases, it may interfere with daily activities like reading or driving. You can condition with regular eye exams and OCT scans and decide if treatment is needed.

You can reduce your risk of related eye problems by managing conditions such as diabetes, protecting your eyes from injury, and getting regular eye exams. If you have a history of retinal problems or eye surgery, regular follow-ups with an eye specialist can help detect changes early.

Epiretinal membrane is more common in older adults due to changes in the eye that occur with aging, which can increase the risk of epiretinal membrane. The risk may be higher in people with diabetes, a history of eye surgery or injury, retinal problems, or inflammation inside the eye. However, ERM can also develop in people without these risk factors.

Author

Alvina Hasan
Alvina Hasan

M.Pharm

2 Year of Experience

Alvina Hasan is a dedicated medical researcher and scientific writer with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. She holds a B.Pharm from Jamia Hamdard University and an M.Pharm in Quality Assurance from DIPSAR University.

With deep medical expertise and a strong interest in healthcare communication, she focuses on transforming complex clinical and scientific information into clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand narratives. She develops insightful healthcare articles and research-driven content designed to support both medical professionals and patients, helping bridge the gap between advanced medical knowledge and practical understanding.

Readers can explore her published research and articles here:

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/868

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/870

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Reviewer

Dr. Vidit Tripathi
Dr. Vidit Tripathi

ENT Surgeon

24 Years of Experience

One of the finest ENT Surgeon in New Delhi, India, Dr. Vidit Tripathi, has worked with several world class multidisciplinary hospitals over the years. Dr. Vidit Tripathi has over 24+ years of experience in his field. The specialist treats and manages a wide range of conditions such as Goiter, Radiation Necrosis in Neck, Neck Injury, Perforates Eardrum View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026