What are the risks and complications from epiretinal surgery?
ERM surgery is a safe procedure with a good success rate. However, like any other eye surgery, it involves certain risks, such as:
• 1 in 1000 risk of infection (endophthalmitis). This complication is very rare.
• 1 in 1000 risk of bleeding. We will check any medications you are taking before surgery to ensure they are not blood thinners that could increase your risk of bleeding.
• 5% risk of retinal tear or detachment. Vitrectomy surgery can cause a tear in the retina, leading to a detachment during or after surgery.
• Progression of cataract. Most patients develop a cataract (cloudy lens) more rapidly following this type of eye surgery. This is because the internal fluid is affected and the presence of the gas in the eye.
Sometimes, a cataract may be removed simultaneously to enable a clearer view for the vitrectomy surgery to be performed.