[Epiretinal gliosis]

Abstract

Epiretinal membranes represent avascular cellular proliferations on the retinal surface, preferentially in the area of the macula. Idiopathic, primary epiretinal membranes are a relatively common finding, especially in elderly people. Other secondary pathomechanisms include retinal tears, trauma, ophthalmic surgical procedures including retinal detachment surgery, laser coagulation and cryotherapy of the retina, or as a result of inflammatory diseases. Individual symptoms depend on the degree of cellular proliferation and associated tangential traction forces at the vitreoretinal interface resulting in surface wrinkling of the retina. Patients often complain of a reduction of visual acuity accompanied by metamorphopsia. A surgical intervention using transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling is indicated depending on the reduction of visual acuity and the severity of metamorphopsia if present.