Rethinking Epiretinal Membrane Disease

At SARyV 2026, Andrea Govetto, MD, PhD, discusses why epiretinal membrane disease should be understood as more than a disorder of the retinal surface.

By: Patricio G. Schlottmann, MD, Andrea Govetto, MD, PhD

Retinal Physician November 10, 2026

5 Key Takeaways

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Andrea Govetto, MD, PhD, described a shift from viewing epiretinal membrane disease as a surface disorder to viewing it as a full-thickness retinal disease.
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Govetto said Müller cells proliferate, pass through the internal limiting membrane, and grow over the retinal surface.
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Although the visible epiretinal membrane is a sheet of tissue, Govetto said the disease extends through the retina to the external limiting membrane.
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Govetto characterized epiretinal membrane disease as more complex than previously thought.
5

Govetto said the broader understanding of the disease means surgeons must consider more variables when approaching epiretinal membrane surgery.

Patricio G. Schlottmann, MD

Affiliations: Charles Centro Oftalmológico

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Patricio G. Schlottmann, MD, is an ophthalmologist associated with Charles Centro Oftalmológico in Argentina. He received his medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 1998 and completed formative clinical training at Santa Lucía Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s largest public eye hospital. Dr. Schlottmann’s work has centered on ophthalmic care, diagnostic technology, and clinical research. His interest in ocular imaging began during specialist training with exposure to Stratus OCT technology, which led to his first publication in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science and helped shape a career combining clinical practice with research.

Rethinking Epiretinal Membrane Disease

5 Key Takeaways

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