Alternative Names & Classifications:
Epiretinal Membrane (CLINICAL)
Description
An Epiretinal Membrane is a degenerative retinal condition that typically occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks and pulls away from the retina (posterior vitreous detachment) as part of natural aging. This minor trauma stimulates glial cells to proliferate on the surface of the macula, forming a thin, cellophane-like scar tissue. As this scar tissue slowly contracts, it wrinkles or "puckers" the underlying macula, physically distorting central vision.