Understanding the condition
An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of scar tissue that develops on the macula – the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It can cause blurring, distortion, or make straight lines appear wavy.
Stages of an epiretinal membrane
- Early stage: A thin layer of tissue forms on the surface of the macula but doesn’t cause much change in vision. Usually picked up on an OCT scan and simply monitored.
- Moderate stage: The membrane starts to pull on the retina, causing it to wrinkle slightly. This can make straight lines look wavy and make reading or other close-up work harder.
- Advanced stage: The pulling becomes stronger, leading to more obvious distortion and blurring in the centre of vision. At this stage, epiretinal membrane surgery (ERM surgery) may help improve sight and reduce distortion.
Signs you might have PCO
Cloudy, hazy, or blurred vision
Glare or haloes around lights, especially at night
Colours looking duller than before
Trouble reading or recognising faces in dim light
If you’ve already had cataract surgery and these symptoms are appearing, it’s worth booking an assessment.
When to treat vs when to monitor?
| Treatment recommended | Monitoring advised |
|---|---|
| Visual disturbance is affecting daily activities such as driving, reading or recognising faces | Visual changes are mild and not impacting quality of life |
| Significant glare or haloes, particularly when driving at night | Vision remains functional with current glasses |
| Colours appear noticeably faded or washed out | Symptoms are stable and not progressing |
The solution: YAG laser capsulotomy
A YAG laser capsulotomy uses a precise, painless laser to make a tiny opening in the cloudy capsule that holds your artificial lens. This allows light to pass through normally again, restoring the clarity you had after your original surgery.
- No incisions or stitches
- Typically completed within 5 minutes
- Painless, with anaesthetic eye drops
- Immediate return to normal activities in most cases
- Long-lasting results; recurrence is rare
“I appreciated his honest assessment, review of possible options and considerations and his judgement”
Keith B.
Meet Professor Williamson
Professor Tom Williamson is one of the UK’s foremost retinal surgeons, practising in London. With over 40 years in the field, he has performed more than 20,000 operations and is recognised for both his meticulous technique and consistently successful outcomes. Known for his clear, pragmatic approach, Professor Williamson offers patients highly personalised care with continuity over the long term.
What to expect at our clinic
Expert diagnosis
Confirming whether your symptoms are due to PCO or another cause
Tailored advice
Only recommending treatment if it will genuinely benefit you
Precise laser technique
Minimising risk and maximising clarity
What’s the price of YAG laser capsulotomy?
The cost of YAG laser capsulotomy for self-paying patients is:
- £1,897 for one eye
- £3,096 for both eyes
Insurance info
We work with major insurance providers, including Bupa, AXA‑PPP, Vitality, WPA, and Aviva. As Professor Williamson is not a fee‑assured consultant, your insurer may not cover the full amount - we’ll confirm any costs with you before treatment.
Next steps
- 1
Book a consultation at our central London clinic.
Book a consultation at our central London clinic.
- 2
Receive a confirmed diagnosis and tailored treatment recommendation.
Receive a confirmed diagnosis and tailored treatment recommendation.
- 3
Proceed with same-day treatment if appropriate and desired.
Proceed with same-day treatment if appropriate and desired.
“I come for regular checks to meet with the Professor and I feel confident that I am under the care of an expert”
Anthony T.
“I appreciated his honest assessment, review of possible options and considerations and his judgement”
Keith B.
“He is a very skilled surgeon; I am truly grateful to him, and I would recommend him to anyone without a second thought”
Roger S.
Always ready when you need us
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