Macular pucker (also known as epiretinal membrane or cellophane maculopathy) is a very common condition which can lead to central visual blurring and distortion.
A macular pucker causes distortion in the vision in the eye that is affected. This is generally slow in onset usually taking months to years to develop.
Macular pucker occurs when certain cells in the eye grow out of control on top of the macula leading to distortion of the normal macular contour. It is present in approximately 25% of patients over the age of 60. Most macular puckers have no know cause, we call this idiopathic. However, they can be associated with diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, ocular inflammation, eye injury or surgery, as well as retinal tears and detachments.
Macular puckers are easily diagnosed in our office with a careful eye exam and the use of a special test called and OCT.
Macular puckers may be treated with a surgical procedure is called a vitrectomy. Vision and distortion do not improve immediately after this surgery and it frequently takes several months to achieve maximum postoperative vision.
Dr. Gloth is a gifted retinal surgeon, have been fellowship-trained in retinal surgery. He has with special expertise in the very gentle repair of macular holes for over 15 years.