What is it?
An ERM is a layer of scar-like cells that grows on the surface of the macula. As it contracts it puckers the retina underneath, like cling film tightening over a surface. It is common after the age of 50 and after eye surgery, inflammation or retinal tears.
Mild membranes are simply watched with OCT once or twice a year. Surgery is offered when distortion or blur starts to affect daily life.
Symptoms
- Wavy or bent lines
- Blurred central vision
- Objects look a different size in each eye
- Double image in one eye
Risk factors and causes
- Age-related vitreous separation
- Previous retinal detachment or laser
- Diabetic eye disease
- Uveitis
- Eye injury
Not an emergency. Book a retina check if distortion is new or getting worse.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- OCT scan shows the membrane and retinal thickening
- Amsler grid to track distortion
Treatment options
Observation
If vision is good and stable, OCT checks every 6 to 12 months.
Vitrectomy with membrane peel
The membrane is lifted off with fine forceps, often with the ILM, under high magnification.
What happens, step by step
- Surgery
Day-care, local anaesthesia, about 45 minutes. Often no gas is needed, so there is no face-down positioning.
- Follow-up
Day 1, week 1 and month 1. OCT shows the retina flattening out over months.
Recovery timeline
- Month 1
Back to normal activities.
- Months 3 to 12
Distortion gradually reduces; most people notice clear improvement.
Epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery cost in Kolkata
ERM surgery typically costs ₹40,000 to ₹90,000 per eye in Kolkata. At Spectra, vitrectomy starts from ₹22,000–25,000, with dye and any combined cataract surgery added in the written estimate.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Epiretinal membrane (ERM) peelper eye | Written estimate | ₹40,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Vitrectomyper eye | from ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| OCT scan (retina / macula)per scan | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
Spectra prices are those published by Spectra Eye Hospital. Kolkata ranges are indicative 2026 ranges across private eye hospitals in the city. Your final cost depends on the eye, the medicine, and the gas, oil or lens used, and is given to you in writing before any procedure.
Cashless and government schemes
Retina specialists for epiretinal membrane (erm) surgery
Dr. Subhajit Das
MBBS, DO, MS (Ophthalmology), FICO, FMRF
25+ years in medical and surgical retina, 7,500+ retinal procedures, vitreo-retina fellowship at Sankara Nethralaya (FMRF), ZEISS trained.
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral buckle
- Anti-VEGF injections
Dr. Aniruddha Maiti
MBBS, DO, DNB, FVRS, FICO, MRCS (Edinburgh), FACS
10,000+ vitreo-retinal operations since 2008, former Head of Retina at Susrut Eye Foundation, ASRS Honor Award recipient.
- Macular hole & ERM surgery
- Complex retinal detachment
- Diabetic vitrectomy
- Anti-VEGF & Ozurdex
Dr. Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury
MBBS, DO, DNB, VR Fellowship
Fellowship-trained retina surgeon at Madhyamgram for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Retina & vitreous surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Uveitis
Dr. Subijoy Sinha
MBBS, MD
Retina and vitreous specialist for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and medical retina at Madhyamgram.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Dr. Swarup Pathak
MBBS, MS
Retina and vitreous specialist at Madhyamgram, also seeing uveitis, neuro-ophthalmology and squint.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of epiretinal membrane surgery in Kolkata?
Typically ₹40,000 to ₹90,000 per eye. At Spectra, vitrectomy starts from ₹22,000–25,000; the written estimate lists every item.
Does every ERM need surgery?
No. Many are mild and stay stable for years. Surgery is offered when distortion affects reading, driving or work.
Will my vision become normal?
Distortion usually improves a lot, but rarely disappears completely. Earlier surgery, before vision falls too far, tends to give better results.
Related
Written by the retina team at Spectra Eye Hospital. Last updated 22 October 2026. This page explains common situations and is not a substitute for an eye examination.