Epiretinal membrane (ERM) vitrectomy with membrane peel costs from £6,500 per eye in the UK in 2026 as a day-case procedure, including the consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre, the vitrectomy and dye-assisted membrane peel, post-op drops and follow-up OCT scans. The operation removes the epiretinal membrane — and usually the underlying internal limiting membrane (ILM) — from the surface of the macula to relieve the wrinkling that distorts central vision. For the full background and average UK costs see our main epiretinal membrane surgery cost guide.
What is a membrane peel?
An epiretinal membrane is a fine sheet of scar tissue that forms on the surface of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. As it contracts it puckers the retina, causing blurred and distorted central vision — straight lines may appear bent or wavy (metamorphopsia), and reading or recognising faces becomes harder. You can read more on our epiretinal membrane condition page.
The only effective treatment is surgical. During a vitreoretinal procedure, the gel inside the eye (vitreous) is removed and the membrane is gently lifted and peeled away from the retina. Surgeons commonly use a coloured dye to stain the membrane and the ILM beneath it, so both can be peeled completely — this dye-assisted ERM and ILM peel reduces the small chance of the membrane returning.
When is surgery worthwhile?
- Vision distortion (wavy or bent lines) affecting reading, driving or daily life.
- Reduced central acuity confirmed on examination and OCT scanning.
- Progressive symptoms where the membrane is tightening over time.
- Good visual potential in the eye, so peeling is likely to improve or stabilise vision.
Noticing distorted central vision? A vitreoretinal consultation with OCT scanning confirms the diagnosis and whether a membrane peel will help.
Book a retinal consultationWhat affects the cost
ERM peel pricing is largely standardised, but a few factors influence the final figure your surgeon confirms at consultation.
Because the vitrectomy removes the eye's natural lens support, many patients develop a cataract within a year or two of surgery; this is treated separately and is a normal part of the pathway. Read more about the operation on our epiretinal membrane treatment page.
How the surgery is performed
The operation is usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day case and takes around 45–60 minutes under the operating microscope.
- Local anaesthetic is given around the eye, and the eye is cleaned and prepared.
- Three tiny self-sealing ports (about 0.4mm) are placed in the white of the eye for the instruments and light.
- A vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel to give the surgeon access to the retinal surface.
- A dye is applied to stain the epiretinal membrane and the internal limiting membrane, which are then gently peeled away with fine forceps.
- The eye is checked, the ports usually seal without stitches, and you rest briefly before going home the same day.
Recovery
Vision recovers gradually as the macula relaxes back into shape — improvement continues over several months, and distortion settles before the sharpness fully returns.
Week 1
The eye may feel gritty and look red. Vision is blurred at first. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops begin. Avoid heavy lifting and rubbing the eye.
Weeks 2–6
Redness settles and vision starts to clear. A review with an OCT scan checks the macula is flattening. Most return to normal activities.
Months 2–6
Distortion reduces and central sharpness continues to improve as the macula remodels. Final vision is assessed around the 3–6 month mark.
Beyond
Most patients gain clearer, less distorted vision. Any cataract that develops afterwards is treated separately when it affects vision.
What is included in the price
Our ERM vitrectomy and peel pricing is all-inclusive — there are no separate charges for theatre, instruments or routine aftercare.
- Self-pay: from £6,500 per eye, including the consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre and day-case fees, the vitrectomy and dye-assisted ERM/ILM peel, post-op drops and follow-up OCT reviews.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA where surgery is clinically indicated. We handle pre-authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost.
- Cataract after vitrectomy: commonly develops later and is treated separately — see cataract surgery cost.
For average UK figures and the full background, see our main epiretinal membrane vitrectomy cost guide, or compare across our vitreoretinal surgery pricing.