How it affects your vision

• Vision changes can range from mild to more noticeable.

• You may notice blurring or distortion, especially when reading.

• Some people only see a difference when covering one eye.

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Do you need treatment?

Not everyone needs treatment. An operation is only recommended if the membrane is causing serious problems with your vision, such as difficulty reading, driving, or working.

Sometimes, other causes of poor vision (like cataracts) need to be treated first.

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Will it get worse?

Not always. For some, vision remains stable. If it does worsen, surgery can be considered later.

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Treatment options

Surgery is the only way to remove an epiretinal membrane.

• It is usually done under local anaesthetic by a specialist vitreoretinal surgeon.

• During surgery, the eye’s gel (vitreous) is removed and the membrane is carefully peeled away.

• Small stitches may be used, which dissolve within 4–6 weeks.

• An eye pad and shield are placed after surgery and removed the next day.

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Risks and benefits of surgery

Benefits

• Vision improves in 70–80% of patients within 3–6 months.

• In some cases, vision does not fully improve due to lasting damage from the membrane

​Risks

• Vision may not improve (20%) or may worsen (10%).

• The membrane can return in about 10% of patients.

• Cataracts are common after surgery (70% within 2 years) but can be treated easily.

• Rarely, complications such as retinal tears or detachment can occur, which may require further surgery. In very rare cases, this can lead to permanent vision loss (1 in 1000).

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Recovery and aftercare

• Your eye may feel gritty, itchy, red, or bruised for 1–2 weeks.

• Discomfort is usually managed with paracetamol.

• Healing takes 1–2 months, though vision may keep improving for several months.

• You’ll be given eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

• Avoid rubbing your eye.

• A follow-up appointment is usually arranged 2–4 weeks after surgery.

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If a gas bubble is used

• Sometimes a gas bubble is inserted to protect the retina.

• This may require special head positioning.

• Vision will be blurry until the bubble disappears.

• You must not fly or have nitrous oxide anaesthetic until the bubble has gone.

• Depending on the type, gas can last between 2 and 12 weeks. Your surgeon will tell you which was used.

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When to seek urgent help

Contact your care team immediately if you notice:

• Severe pain not eased by paracetamol

• Headache, nausea, or vomiting

• Worsening vision after initial improvement

• Increasing redness of the eye

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General advice after surgery

• Use eye drops exactly as prescribed

• Rest and avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks

• You can read or watch TV in moderation

• Showering is fine, but keep soap and water out of the eye

• Wear glasses or sunglasses if they help

• Avoid heavy lifting, gardening, or sports for 3 weeks

• Do not drive until cleared at your first follow-up

• Do not rub your eye

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Further information:

• British & Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons