Idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)is a common macular area disease associated with age and characterized by symptoms of decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia. With the acceleration of aging population, the incidence of IMEM is also increasing year by year. At present, its exact pathogenesis is not clear, and there is no effective drug therapy. Vitrectomy is an effective treatment, but the improvement of postoperative visual function is very different. This article reviews the pathogenesis and factors related to prognosis in patients with IMEM, in order to adopt more accurate and effective preventive and therapeutic measures.