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EYE CARE
Epiretinal Membrane Treatment and Surgery
Consultant-led assessment, monitoring and treatment for epiretinal membranes in London.
An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of scar-like tissue that forms on the surface of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. It is sometimes called a macular pucker.
At Battersea Hospital, our consultant ophthalmologists provide detailed assessment, monitoring and personalised treatment planning for epiretinal membranes.
BOOK AN OPHTHALMOLOGY CONSULTATION MEET OUR SURGEONSWhat is an Epiretinal Membrane?
An epiretinal membrane can gently pull or crease the macula. Some membranes cause little or no disturbance, while others affect central vision enough to make reading and detail-focused tasks more difficult.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include blurred or distorted central vision, straight lines looking wavy, difficulty reading, and a difference in image size or clarity between the eyes.
Diagnosis
A consultant ophthalmologist will examine your eyes and use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the membrane and its effect on the macula.
Treatment
If symptoms are mild, monitoring may be appropriate. When an epiretinal membrane significantly affects vision or daily activities, a vitrectomy with membrane peel may be recommended.
TREATMENT DETAILS
At a Glance.
Area affected
Macula (central retina)
Common symptoms
Blurred or distorted central vision
Diagnosis
Eye examination and OCT scan
Treatment options
Monitoring or vitrectomy with membrane peel
Anaesthetic
Local or general anaesthetic
Recovery
Initial recovery 1–2 weeks; vision may improve over 3–6 months
EYE CARE
When should I see an ophthalmologist?
Assessment can clarify whether monitoring or surgery is appropriate.
Not every epiretinal membrane needs surgery. A specialist assessment will consider your symptoms, OCT findings, visual needs and the likely benefits and limitations of treatment before recommending the next step.
- Distorted, blurred or wavy central vision.
- Difficulty reading or recognising detail.
- A noticeable difference between the vision in each eye.
- Symptoms that affect driving, work or daily activities.
- A diagnosed membrane that needs specialist monitoring.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Choose Battersea Hospital?
01
Specialist Retinal Assessment
Consultant-led assessment and OCT imaging to support an accurate diagnosis and clear plan.
02
Careful Monitoring
When symptoms are mild, we can monitor the membrane and review changes over time.
03
Personalised Surgical Planning
If surgery is recommended, your plan is tailored to your eye, visual needs and general health.
04
Dedicated Aftercare
You will receive clear recovery guidance and scheduled follow-up after treatment.
TREATMENT AND RECOVERY
Epiretinal Membrane Surgery and Recovery
When surgery is advised, the procedure is usually a vitrectomy with membrane peel and commonly takes up to one hour. It may be carried out under local or general anaesthetic, depending on your needs and the surgical plan.Initial recovery commonly takes one to two weeks, while visual improvement can continue over three to six months. Your individual outcome depends on the degree of retinal change before surgery and your eye health.
VIEW BEFORE AND AFTER GALLERY
Patient Review.
MEET YOUR SURGEONS
Choose Your Consultant
Epiretinal membrane consultations are available with Dr Sarit Lesnik Oberstein and Mr Simon Horgan. Your consultant will review your symptoms and scans, explain the options and recommend a personalised plan.
TREATMENT PRICING
Cost
The cost of epiretinal membrane treatment depends on the assessment, the complexity of the procedure and the aftercare required. Following your consultation, you will receive a personalised treatment plan and clear quotation.
Finance Options Available
Our Patient Care Team will be happy to discuss the available options and help you find the most suitable payment plan before or during your consultation.
- 6 or 10 months interest-free (0% APR)
- 12 to 60 month finance options (14.9%)
- Simple online application process
- Fast approval decisions
- Flexible monthly repayments
Book Your Consultation
Specialist assessment for distorted central vision
Your consultation includes a detailed eye examination and OCT imaging where appropriate. We will explain the findings, discuss the benefits and limitations of monitoring or surgery, and answer your questions.
BOOK A CONSULTATIONEYE CARE
Frequently Asked Questions
Epiretinal membrane information
Your consultant will give you advice specific to your diagnosis, OCT scan and treatment plan.
Epiretinal Membrane Treatment
What is an epiretinal membrane?
An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of tissue on the surface of the macula. It can pull or crease the retina and may cause blurred or distorted central vision.
Does an epiretinal membrane always need surgery?
No. If symptoms are mild and vision is stable, monitoring may be appropriate. Surgery is considered when the membrane significantly affects vision or daily activities.
What does surgery involve?
Surgery is usually a vitrectomy with a delicate membrane peel. The surgeon removes the vitreous gel to access the retina and carefully peels the membrane from the macular surface.
How long does recovery take?
Initial recovery is often one to two weeks, but vision may continue to improve over several months. Your surgeon will explain the expected recovery and follow-up for your individual case.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have been diagnosed with an epiretinal membrane or have noticed distortion in your central vision, our ophthalmology team is here to help. Book a consultation for an expert assessment and personalised plan.
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