Epiretinal Membrane Treatment in Thailand
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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 when the vitreous gel, a gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye, migrates onto the surface of the retina. 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?
Timely diagnosis helps an eye specialist assess the membrane's severity, monitor retinal changes, and determine whether treatment is necessary. Many epiretinal membranes remain stable and can be monitored through regular eye examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Consider surgery if blurred or distorted vision begins to interfere with reading, driving, or other daily activities. Treatment decisions depend on symptoms, visual function, retinal findings, and the potential benefits and risks of surgery.
What are the common symptoms of an Epiretinal Membrane?
- Blurred or reduced central vision
- Metamorphopsia, in which straight lines appear wavy or bent
- Difficulty reading or recognising faces
- Distorted perception of the size or shape of objects
- Reduced clarity when performing detailed tasks
- Double vision in some cases
- Difficulty with activities requiring precise central vision
Causes and Risk Factors of Epiretinal Membrane
Causes
- Age-related changes: Natural changes in the eye with ageing 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
- Increasing age
- Previous retinal disease or retinal surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal tears or detachment
- Inflammation inside the eye
- Previous eye trauma
- Retinal vascular disorders
Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Epiretinal Membrane in Thailand
- One of the biggest advances is using AI and advanced OCT imaging to improve ERM detection and identify who will benefit most from surgery. New deep-learning algorithms can classify different ERM types based on an OCT scan, which could lead to faster, more accurate diagnosis.
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 vision changes.
- 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: It may be conducted when the doctor suspects an additional retinal issue or wishes to assess for any leakage from the blood vessels in the retina.
- In some cases, the doctor may recommend medications, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with the epiretinal membrane. If the symptoms are limited, doctors may recommend regular monitoring rather than medication.
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Hospitals for Epiretinal Membrane in Thailand
Sukumvit Hospital, Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand
- Sukumvit Hospital has provided a comprehensive range of healthcare services since 1977. It is committed to providing patient-centred care by combining advanced medical technologies and employing highly skilled, multi-specialised physicians to ensure that each patient receives high-quality treatment across all the various areas of medicine offered at the facility. They offer modern diagnostics, minimally invasive surgical procedures, rehabilitation, emergency services, and a full array of international patient services, while maintaining stringent standards for patient safety and personalised healthcare.
Sikarin Hospital
Bangkok, Thailand
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Sikarin Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Sikarin Hospital has a 258-bed capacity.
- The hospital caters to the healthcare needs of both local and international patients.
- Dedicated and skilled, experienced healthcare professionals are the strength of the organization.
It has also received many awards and certifications and some of them are:
- APSIC CSSD Center of Excellence Award (2017-18)
- Accreditation by the Joint Commission International
- HA-Hospital/Healthcare Accreditation
- HACCP Certificate of Registration
- The Best Under a Billion Award
- ISO 14001 Environment Management System
- ISO 9001 Quality Management System
The various clinics and centers of Sikarin Hospital are as follows:
- Pediatric Institute
- Orthopedic Institute
- Dental Center
- Health Check-up Center
- Heart Disease Center
- Cerebral and Nervous System Center
- Internal Medicine Clinic
- Diagnostic Radiology Center
- Diagnostic Laboratory
- Endoscopic Surgery Center
- International Medical Center
- Emergency Medical Center
- Sikarin Beauty Center
- Eye Center
- Rehabilitation Center
- Women’s Health Center
- Ear, Nose and Throat Center
- Specialized Internal Medicine Center
- Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases
The medical technology present in Sikarin Hospital is outlined here:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) magnetic resonance imaging
- Hybrid Operating Room
- Endoscopic Surgery - Gastrointestinal medical technology with tiny capsules
- S.R. Laboratory
- Cardiac Catheterization Lab
- Dental Operating Microscope, an innovative endoscopic root canal treatment
- 128-Slice CT Scan
- ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH OP 3D oral X-ray machine
- Digital Mammogram
- Optical Coherence Tomography
- INFRARED (IR) IMAGING Surgical Technology “Cure Cancer” – Direct, Accurate, Fast
- 3D endoscopic surgery technology
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Dental Aerosol Suction Dental Intraoral Aerosol Remover
- Comprehensive Dental Center
- iTeroElement 5D
Bangpakok 9 International Hospital
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangpakok 9 International Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- It would be prudent to summarise the Medical Services provided at the Bangpakok 9 International Hospital (BPK 9), Bangkok, Thailand:
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Implants
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
- Exercise Stress Test
- Health Screening
- Laser Vagina Firming
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Perfect Slim by Vela II
- Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal
- Prosthodontics
- The Medical Services are also inclusive of the International Patient Services such as the ones listed here:
- Thai, English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladeshi, Bahasa and Tagalog are the languages in which there are Translation services available for International Patients.
- Visa extension related assistance
- International health insurance related assistance
- Embassy and international organizations related assistance
- A variety of meals of choice for International Patients
- Email consultation services
- Transfer to either airport and/or hotels
- Prayer room
- Four different types of rooms are available such as Deluxe room, two kinds of suites, and a VIP suite.
- Hospital facilities like The Coffee shop, Food Hall, Cafe and Medical Spa.
- Complete health and safety protocols are maintained in the various Medical Centers some of whom are as follows:
- Aesthetic Center
- 24 Hour Emergency Center
- Allergy Center
- Breast Center
- bSmart Center
- Checkup Center
- Dental Center,
- Happy Long Life Center
- Medical Fitness Center
- Psychiatric Center
- Rehabilitation Center
- Sleep Disorders Center
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Why Choose Thailand for Epiretinal Membrane Treatment?
- Access to Eye Specialists: Patients can consult ophthalmologists experienced in retinal and vitreoretinal conditions, including ERM. Relevant surgical experience and clinical outcomes should be checked when choosing a specialist.
- Retinal Imaging and Surgical Facilities: Some specialist eye centres offer OCT imaging and vitrectomy equipment for diagnosing and treating retinal conditions.
- Coordinated Care: Depending on the facility, the same eye care team may coordinate diagnostic assessments, surgery, and postoperative reviews.
- International Patient Support: Some hospitals provide assistance with appointments, medical records, interpreters, and travel arrangements for international patients. Confirm the specific services available before travelling.
- Individualised Treatment Planning: The choice between observation and surgery depends on visual symptoms, retinal findings, overall eye health, and the patient's needs. A specialist assessment helps determine the most appropriate approach.
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Author
Alvina Hasan
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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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