An epiretinal membrane is a condition which affects the macula. The macula is part of the retina and the retina is the light sensitive membrane in the eye. In many ways the retina is similar to the film in a camera.

The macula is the part of the retina with which you are reading this leaflet. It is the part of the retina that provides you with the most sensitive vision. An epiretinal membrane occurs when a layer of scar tissue develops on the surface of the macula. This scar tissue then contracts. In contracting it crumples up the retina. The effect is similar to crumpling up the film in a camera.

Pic : A photograph of a normal macula and optic nerve