LaserVision

Treatment at a glance

Treatment Time

40 minutes

Anaesthetic

Local anaesthetic

Downtime

2 - 12 weeks

Longevity

Permanent

Key Benefit

Improved vision

What is Epiretinal Membrane Surgery?

If your vision is significantly reduced and/or there is evidence that the epiretinal membrane is worsening, surgery may be recommended by your Laser Vision doctor. In this procedure, the vitreous gel and the abnormal membrane that has grown across the macula causing pucker and distortion is removed. This keyhole procedure requires the doctor to make a discrete 1mm hole from which to perform the surgery. Self-dissolving stitches may also be applied. 

It can be completed under local or general anaesthetic. A gas bubble is usually inserted into the eye at the end of surgery to apply a tamponade effect against the retina / macula. Patients are often asked to posture following surgery to maximise the effect of the gas bubble on the retina. The gas bubble will remain in the eye for between 2-12 weeks depending on the type of medical gas used. In 70-80% of patients, the quality of vision steadily improves over a period of 3-6 months.

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Treatment Benefits Benefits

What are the benefits of Epiretinal Membrane Surgery?

  • Stabilise / improve vision
  • Remove epiretinal membrane and associated traction / pucker

How is it performed?

  • 1.Performed under local or general anaesthetic
  • 2.The vitreous gel is removed along with any vitreo-macula traction or epiretinal membrane or scar tissue
  • 3.Gas is inserted to tamponade the retina which is slowly absorbed by the eye over 2 - 12 weeks, depending on the type of medical gas inserted
  • 4.The patient is then advised to posture face-down for the first few weeks following surgery to maximise the tamponade effect.
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LaserVision-FAQ-Main

Frequently Asked Questions

The majority of epiretinal membranes appear to have no underlying cause. However, it is well known that the age-related process of posterior vitreous detachment, ocular surgery and inflammation are all directly associated with its formation.

For the first 1-2 weeks, it is likely that your eye will feel a little irritable and bruised. You will be given a set of eye drops to take home following your procedure to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of infection. Lubricating drops may also soothe your eye during this period. You will be looked after at multiple follow-up appointments with your doctor.

After surgery, your doctor may ask you to hold your head in a particular position for a period of time (typically 3 days). You will be guided as to how best to achieve this by our clinical team.

Treatment Options

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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Related Concerns

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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