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By admin | Jun 28, 2016
One of the reasons patients come to see our Ophthalmologists at Retina Consultants of Boston is due to an epiretinal membrane. An epiretinal membrane is a thin sheet of fibrous tissue that forms over your macula in the back of your eye. It occurs when cells that belong within the retinal layers become dislodged and settle on the macula. Over time, these sheets of fibrous tissues can contract, and distort the retina under it.
Epiretinal Membrane Symptoms
A normal configuration of the retina is very important in order to see clearly. Epiretinal membranes affect the macula, the area of the retina that allows us to see detail clearly. As the fibrous scar tissues of the epiretinal membranes distort the macula under it, your central vision can significantly decrease. You may note that straight lines are now appearing wavy.
Your ophthalmologist will follow the progression of your epiretinal membrane closely. If it is causing limited visual symptoms, you will be followed closely. If the epiretinal membrane is causing significant problems with your vision, your ophthalmologist will talk to you about surgery.
Epiretinal Membrane Treatment
Prior to any surgical interventions, your retina specialist with determine that epiretinal membrane is in fact the main cause of your vision impairment, and decide whether it warrants any intervention or if they will just monitor your condition closely. Epiretinal membranes can be diagnosed during a dilated eye exam and by using an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) machine. An OCT shows your retina specialist a 3D scan of the back of your eye. If the effects of the epiretinal membrane warrant surgery, your retina specialist will go over all the risks and benefits with you. Here are Retina Consultants of Boston, we use the state of the art surgical techniques and have highly trained surgeons so that we can make sure we offer you the best opportunity of preserving your sight. Please make sure to call and ask us about any questions you may have!
In the interest of maintaining further transparency and providing a wide breadth of information to our patients and providers, this blog will serve as an educational and informative resource on interesting happenings within Retina Consultants of Boston and in the greater field of Ophthalmology.
Here at Retina Consultants of Boston, Dr. John J. Weiter and Dr. Namrata Nandakumar are on the forefront of diagnostic techniques, treatment and micro-surgical techniques for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, macular holes, and a number of other issues affecting the vitreous and retina. Check back here frequently for news and updates on our practice and all things retina!