If cataract surgery is necessary is epiretinal membrane removed even if vision is not significantly affected by it.

No: They are two separate procedures, generally not done at the same time. If the epi retinal membrane is not affecting vision, it can be left alone.

ERM & Cataracts: Epiretinal membranes (ERM) can affect central vision. Often they do not. If OCT (optical coherence tomography) shows a significant ERM, removal at time of cataract surgery is recommended. If ERM mild, it is ok to remove cataract first: but know pt may need ERM removed in future.

Not usually: epiretinal membranes (erm) are surgical removed what the patients is affected b them.