Epiretinal membrane: surgery to stop progression… and often to improve vision

“In epiretinal membrane surgery, we do not operate to promise improvement, but to prevent further visual deterioration.”

Most sources agree that when epiretinal membrane requires surgery, it is because the patient presents clear functional symptoms such as metamorphopsia and/or progressive loss of visual acuity, along with objective OCT findings including macular thickening, pseudoholes or even macular holes.

The primary aim of the surgery is to stabilize vision by reducing macular traction and avoiding further structural and functional damage. It is essential to communicate honestly that surgery does not guarantee visual improvement.

When initial visual loss is mild or moderate, the purpose of surgery is to halt disease progression. Functional recovery depends on the duration of traction, previous retinal layer damage and the macula’s capacity for neurosensory reorganization. For more information on related conditions, see our Eye Diseases section.

My clinical tip

In my experience, many patients undergoing epiretinal membrane surgery do experience visual improvement in their daily‑life‑limiting symptoms:

– reduced metamorphopsia,
– improved shape perception,
– and in many cases improved visual acuity.

Visual recovery is not immediate. The retina requires time to reorganize. Most stable results are obtained between 6 months and one year. For more details on how these conditions are surgically managed, visit our Retinal Surgery page.

Not operating may lead to progressive and irreversible vision loss. Surgery is recommended when appropriate to protect long‑term vision and offer the best chance of functional recovery. If you are experiencing symptoms, you can book an appointment for a full evaluation.