Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) abnormal progression rate?

Posted by steven96759 @steven96759, Jun 30, 2023

Hello folks,

First of all, thank you guys for reading this post.
I was diagnosed with Epiretinal Membrane, ERM, in my left eye about eight weeks ago and my vision was blurry, with medium distortion and mild dark spot in the middle. At the time my doctor said the ERM was mild (304μm at the center) and it shouldn't affect my vision that much, he recommended me to check for cataract and check back in 3mo.

6 weeks later, upon examination I was told that the cataract in my left eye is in its very early stage and wouldn't affect my vision either, however they found out that the ERM has progressed significantly with the thickness over 500μm. Frightened by the possibility of severe vision loss, they did another full scan to make sure my retinal blood vessels aren't inflamed. I was told that "the retinal blood vessels were only pulled/affected possibly by ERM, but they are not inflamed". And by the severity they recommend immediate PPV for ERM (and possibly ILM) peel.

I wonder has anyone had similar experience with ERM thickening in such a short period of time? And if the cause of it is still unclear, is it possible for ERM to grow back after the surgery? Is there a downside/chance for complications if my doctor decides to do the ILM peel? And if my retinal blood vessels are indeed pulled by the ERM, would that mean the ERM is attached very tightly and it could have higher chance of hemorrhage post surgery?

I have had a few macular holes fixed in the same eye about 2 years ago, they look fine to the doctor. Apologies for this unorganized post, i am very stressed and desperate to have my vision improved. Thank you!!!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Eye Conditions Support Group.

Hello @steven96759, Welcome to Connect. I think anyone in your position would be stressed and desperate to have your vision improved. I would be looking to find as much information as possible if it were me. There is an older discussion on the topic here:
--- Epiretinal membrane/severe vision loss after surgery: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/epiretinal-membranesevere-vision-loss-after-surgery/.

The NIH has some continuing education material on Epiretinal Membrane that reviews the evaluation and treatment of the epiretinal membrane and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and treating patients with this condition. -- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560703/

You are asking some very good questions and I would want to discuss them with your surgeon or care team to go over all of the risks involved. Here is an article that talks a little about the risks.
--- Why Surgeons Are Peeling Fewer ERMs: https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/why-surgeons-are-peeling-fewer-erms.

Have they discussed the possible risks and success rates with you?

REPLY
@johnbishop

Hello @steven96759, Welcome to Connect. I think anyone in your position would be stressed and desperate to have your vision improved. I would be looking to find as much information as possible if it were me. There is an older discussion on the topic here:
--- Epiretinal membrane/severe vision loss after surgery: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/epiretinal-membranesevere-vision-loss-after-surgery/.

The NIH has some continuing education material on Epiretinal Membrane that reviews the evaluation and treatment of the epiretinal membrane and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and treating patients with this condition. -- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560703/

You are asking some very good questions and I would want to discuss them with your surgeon or care team to go over all of the risks involved. Here is an article that talks a little about the risks.
--- Why Surgeons Are Peeling Fewer ERMs: https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/why-surgeons-are-peeling-fewer-erms.

Have they discussed the possible risks and success rates with you?

Jump to this post

Hi John,

The information you shared is much appreciated.
I will be going over the operation procedures with my surgeon's team next week, hopefully they will have some encouraging numbers on the success rates. My main concern is the chance of reoccurrence; Especially when the ERM has progressed so fast in such a short period. I am in this constant anxiety that even if I do the surgery another layer of ERM will reappear. Would you happen to know any members who have gone through the same process?

Thank you so much John!

REPLY
@steven96759

Hi John,

The information you shared is much appreciated.
I will be going over the operation procedures with my surgeon's team next week, hopefully they will have some encouraging numbers on the success rates. My main concern is the chance of reoccurrence; Especially when the ERM has progressed so fast in such a short period. I am in this constant anxiety that even if I do the surgery another layer of ERM will reappear. Would you happen to know any members who have gone through the same process?

Thank you so much John!

Jump to this post

I wasn't able to find any members who have posted about having an ERM peel. There was another article I found that may help but I'm not sure.
--- When and How to Peel an Epiretinal Membrane: https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/when-and-how-to-peel-an-epiretinal-membrane

REPLY
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