Abstract: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) can be divided into idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) and secondary epiretinal membrane (sERM). The occurrence of iERM is not associated with any other ocular diseases. The complete pathogenesis of iERM is still unclear, but many theories have been proposed, including posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), fibrosis, neurodegeneration and epigenetic modification. Abnormal fibrosis leads to an unbalance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, deposition and degradation. An important part of iERM is massive ECM deposition. The experimental models about iERM will develop the exploration of pathogenesis of iERM deeply and guide clinical treatment.(Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2022, 46: 448-453)

Key words: idiopathic epiretinal membrane/pathogenesis