Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Efficient and Consistent Generation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium/Choroid Flatmounts from Human Eyes for Histological Analysis
Published on: October 28, 2022
Idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Shao-Chong Bu1, Roel Kuijer, Xiao-Rong Li
1*Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; †W. J. Kolff Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; ‡Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; and §Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Background:
Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) is a fibrocellular membrane that proliferates on the inner surface of the retina at the macular area. Membrane contraction is an important sight-threatening event and is due to fibrotic remodeling.
Methods:
Analysis of the current literature regarding the epidemiology, clinical features, and pathogenesis of iERM and fibrotic tissue contraction.
Results:
Epidemiologic studies report a relationship between iERM prevalence, increasing age, and posterior vitreous detachment. Clinically, iERM progresses through different stages characterized by an increased thickness and wrinkling of the membrane. Pathophysiologically, iERM formation is a fibrotic process in which myofibroblast formation and the deposition of newly formed collagens play key roles. Anomalous posterior vitreous detachment may be a key event initiating the formation of iERM. The age-related accumulation of advanced glycation end products may contribute to anomalous posterior vitreous detachment formation and may also influence the mechanical properties of the iERM.
Conclusion:
Remodeling of the extracellular matrix at the vitreoretinal interface by aging and fibrotic changes, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of iERM. A better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying this process may eventually lead to the development of effective and nonsurgical approaches to treat and prevent vitreoretinal fibrotic diseases.
Insights
Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) involves fibrotic changes at the retina. Understanding these molecular mechanisms could lead to new, non-surgical treatments for this sight-threatening condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Fibrotic Remodeling
Background:
- Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) is a fibrocellular growth on the retina's inner surface.
- Contraction of this membrane causes vision loss due to fibrotic remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and pathogenesis of iERM.
- To explore the role of fibrotic tissue contraction in iERM.
Main Methods:
- Literature analysis on iERM epidemiology, clinical features, and pathogenesis.
- Review of studies on fibrotic tissue contraction.
Main Results:
- iERM prevalence increases with age and posterior vitreous detachment.
- Pathogenesis involves myofibroblast formation, collagen deposition, and potentially advanced glycation end products.
- Clinical stages show increasing membrane thickness and wrinkling.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular matrix remodeling at the vitreoretinal interface, driven by aging and fibrosis, is key to iERM.
- Further understanding of molecular pathways may enable non-surgical treatments for vitreoretinal fibrotic diseases.
More Related Videos
06:16Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Pathogenesis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Discovering Potential Therapies
Published on: July 28, 2023
10:14Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
