Foromar

Formation of epiretinal membranes over the center of the macula, as described above, usually does not result in macular hole formation.However, this condition, also known as macular pucker or cellophane maculopathy (because the membrane has a crinkly, shiny look similar to cellophane), is a common cause of vision problems in the elderly population. The membrane causes the center of the macula to become wrinkled. This can have anywhere from a mild to a severe distorting effect on vision. In some cases, objects may appear smaller than normal. Macular pucker does not always get worse with time, however. Frequently, it just stays the same, and in perhaps 10 percent of cases, it actually improves as the membrane separates itself from the retina. As with macular holes, surgery (vitrectomy) can be done to try to remove the membrane. The surgery is fairly successful in bringing about an improvement in vision, but because of the potential for cataract development and retinal complications, it should be reserved for people who have fairly severe loss of vision.