The operation to remove theepiretinal membrane is usually performed under local anesthesia and so the patient is awake but does not feel the procedure.
The first part of the operation to treat the epiretinal membrane is the removal of gel-like material that fills the back of the eye. This fluid is called the vitreous fluid, and the process of its removal is called a vitrectomy.
The surgeon will make small incisions in the eye and insert special instruments to remove the vitreous fluid. The surgeon will also remove the epiretinal membranes that are causing the macular pucker. This will allow the macula to lie flat on the back of the eye and improve vision problems.