If an epi-retinal membrane (ERM) is behind a cataract, will it make any difference in vision to remove the cataract or will vision not improve until the ERM is removed also?
AUG 02, 2013
Question:
If an epi-retinal membrane (ERM) is behind a cataract, will it make any difference in vision to remove the cataractor will vision not improve until the ERM is removed also?
Answer:
An ERM can cause distortion or blurring of vision. When a patient is complaining of these symptoms, your ophthalmologist needs to make their best effort to determine whether this is due to the ERM, to the cataract, or to both. Often, this can be a difficult distinction. If there is a significant cataract, we usually recommend having the cataract removed first; if the patient still has bothersome symptoms, then the patient should be evaluated by a retina specialist to determine whether they would benefit from surgical removal of the ERM.