A macular pucker is caused by an abnormal, cellophane-like piece of tissue that grows as a sheet on the surface of the macula. This tissue causes the retina and macula to wrinkle or bulge.

The macula is a small area in the center of the retina that is responsible for straight-ahead or focused vision. The center of the macula is the thinnest part of the retina and is susceptible to complications, particularly as one ages.

This condition is also referred to as epiretinal membrane, cellophane maculopathy, or surface wrinkling retinopathy.