Will I need to use eye drops after the operation?
Drops are prescribed to be used for several weeks following the procedure. Additional drops will be prescribed if the pressure in your eye is found to be excessively high at any point.
Will I experience pain after the operation?
There may be some discomfort initially which generally becomes less on a day-by-day basis. Simple oral analgesia such as paracetamol for a few days is usually sufficient, if required. It is common to experience mild itching for 1-2 weeks following surgery.
How much time off will I need after the operation?
This will depend on multiple factors including your occupation, the level of vision in your other eye, and whether you must drive for a living. I will tailor this advice to your circumstances, but it is generally prudent to allow 2 weeks off from work. In most instances, it will be possible to then return to work or continue to work from home.
What can I expect after the operation?
You will be able to go home 1-2 hours after a local anaesthetic, and slightly longer after a general anaesthetic. The eye pad is removed the next day and you can start instilling your eye drops. There may be a small amount of discharge at this stage. Initially, your vision is likely to be worse
What can I expect during the operation?
After the anaesthetic is administered, your eye and face will be covered with a sterile drape. The whole vitrectomy operation will then be performed through 3 tiny incisions. You will hear vibrating noises throughout much of the procedure from the vitrectomy machine. You will not be able to see details of what is happening but
Will I develop an ERM in my other eye?
Most epiretinal membranes affect only one eye. However, approximately 1 in 10 idiopathic ERMs affect both eyes. This means that most people who have an ERM will not go on to develop one in their other eye. If you developed an ERM secondary to a condition, the risk of developing a secondary ERM in your other eye will depend on if that condition occurred or is present in that
What anaesthesia is required for epiretinal membrane surgery?
All surgery is performed as a day-case procedure. I perform most ERM vitrectomy procedures under local anaesthesia, whereby a small amount of anaesthetic is administered around the eye to numb it and permit surgery to performed painlessly. Whilst you will need to be comfortable and lie still for the duration of the procedure, you can feel reassured
What are the risks of epiretinal membrane surgery?
Retinal detachment. The risk of this is less than 1% but if it occurs, further surgery will be required to prevent visual loss Cataract development. This is where the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, and is required in majority of patients within 2 years of initial vitrectomy surgery. When cataract surgery is performed, this does also provide an opportunity for correcting any pre-existing refractive error such
Can an epiretinal membrane be prevented?
There are no known treatments including drops that can prevent the development of an ERM
What do I do if I have any urgent concerns before or after the operation?
At all stages of your treatment pathway, you will receive my direct access telephone number. This will negate the need to go via any third party, such as a secretary or the hospital, in order to obtain any routine or urgent advice. I will be available 7 days a week for you in this regard.