Epiretinal gliosis is a retinal disease that primarily affects people over the age of 50. A typical feature is the deposition of cells on the surface of the retina. Usually in the area of the macula, i.e. the point of sharpest vision.
Experts therefore also refer to epiretinal gliosis as macular pucker. If the membrane contracts, the retina unfolds and visual acuity decreases. Distorted vision is also typical of epiretinal gliosis.
The disease usually develops very slowly and for no apparent reason (primary gliosis). However, it can also occur as a result of other diseases or after surgery (secondary gliosis).
If epiretinal gliosis is suspected, the ophthalmologist is always the first point of contact. If surgery is necessary, he or she will refer the patient to an eye clinic or the appropriate specialist department.
The ophthalmologists working here can also be specialists in epiretinal gliosis. After completing their medical studies, they have completed five years of further training to become a specialist in ophthalmology. They then undergo a two-year practical phase.
During this practical phase, they learn common surgical techniques. This includes surgical techniques that are used in the treatment of epiretinal gliosis.
When diagnosing epiretinal gliosis, the ophthalmologist uses state-of-the-art procedures.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) examines the retina in detail and visualizes different retinal layers without touching the eye.
Optical coherence tomography makes it possible to examine the retina and its structures in detail @ Med Photo Studio /AdobeStock
There is no drug treatment for epiretinal gliosis. Only surgery makes sense. When this procedure takes place depends on the individual course of the disease.
If the visual impairment is minor, the specialist will usually order close monitoring to record the progression of the gliosis. If vision is severely impaired, an operation is performed promptly .
A microsurgical technique such as sutureless pars plana vitrectomy is used. Doctors completely remove the cell membrane on the retina. Experts have continued to refine the technique in recent years. It is therefore considered very safe.
In most cases, vision improves significantly. However, it takes several months for the brain to learn to interpret the new images correctly.
You will therefore need patience after the operation . It is also advisable to attend follow-up examinations at short intervals. This is because pars plana vitrectomy increases the risk of clouding of the lens (cataract).