Epiretinal membrane wrinkle and floaters

About 6 months ago I noticed a change in my vision in my rt eye.  It was diagnosed as a wrinkle in the epiretinal membrane.  Shortly after that, I noticed floaters in the same. eye.  Lately the floaters have gotten worse and the vision in that eye has also worsened.  It seems as though I am looking through a dirty or cloudy window.  I should mention that I also have cataracts in both eyes but have been told by my opthamologist that they are not ready to be removed.yet.  Is there anything that can be done with the epiretinal membrane short of surgery?  I understand that it is a very serious and intricate surgery only done as a last resort.  Am I correct in this understanding?  Can this condition be contributing to the onsset of floaters.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

ERM epiretinal membranes do not cause floaters, Removing them is big time surgery with potential for major complications and is done only for the most severe ERM. You symptoms sound more like cataracts than ERM where the main symptom is distortion. You should be doing daily amsler grid (google the term ifyou don't have grid).

The only RX for ERM is if there is fluid or inflammation in the macula then use meds to treat. Most ERM do not have inflammation or fluid.

JCH III MD