Why Do Membranes Form in Macula?
The macular membrane, known as the epiretinal membrane, is a translucent membrane that covers the center of vision. It usually develops in the eye due to aging. It occurs as a result of changes in the gel-like vitreous structure that fills the inside of the eyeball, affecting the visual center. Sometimes it can be seen together with other eye diseases such as diabetes, retinal vascular diseases and uveitis.
What are the Symptoms of the Disease?
In the early stages of the disease, it usually does not cause any complaints and is detected incidentally during an eye examination. As the membrane thickens, becomes more widespread and shrinks, wrinkles and damage occur in the macula under the membrane. In this case patients
- Blurred vision of objects
- Seeing objects as crooked and larger or smaller than they actually are
- Distortions in letters and lines while reading
- Complaints of decreased vision are observed.
What Tests Do We Do?
After retinal examination, OCT (Optical coherence tomography) and fundus angiography, diagnosis is made and treatment is performed.
How is Membrane Formation in the Visual Center Treated?
Treatment is planned according to the patient's visual acuity and the rate of progression of the disease. The membranes in the visual center, which are not affected by blurred vision or do not cause vision complaints such as distorted vision, are monitored. However, if the membrane thickens and impairs the quality of vision as a result of shrinkage in the visual center, a surgery called vitrectomy is performed. This membrane is peeled off from the visual center using special techniques. Vitrectomy surgery is often performed with local anesthesia and the patient goes home after the surgery. The visual results are satisfactory, and in most cases, visual acuity and quality that will satisfy the patient are achieved.