Clinical guidance
  • Retina

Concise practice points on idiopathic epiretinal membranes

  • Last updated or reviewed: 1 July 2023
  • First published: 1 July 2023
Idiopathic-epiretinal-membranes (PDF)

Concise practice points on idiopathic epiretinal membranes for ophthalmologists, optometrists and vitreoretinal teams. Covers diagnosis, referral, monitoring and when surgery may be considered, with evidence-based recommendations to support consistent care.

This concise practice point sets out key evidence and recommendations for the assessment and management of idiopathic epiretinal membranes. It explains who can be monitored in the community, when referral to vitreoretinal services is appropriate, which symptoms and OCT features should prompt concern, and what is known about progression to surgery. It also summarises current evidence on internal limiting membrane peeling, helping clinicians make consistent, informed decisions in practice.