To evaluate the surgical results of pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) in a preliminary series of 28 eyes with macular epiretinal membrane (ERM). Pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the ERM was performed on 28 eyes. All preretinal macular tissues were removed including the ILM after injection of indocyanine green (ICG) solution. Postoperatively visual acuity improved within 3 months by at least 2 lines in 26 eyes. Neither the deterioration of the macula nor the recurrence of the ERM was observed during the entire period of review (6 months; range 4-8 months). Vitrectomy including ICG-assisted peeling of the ERM leads to an expedited resolution of the macular pucker and improvement of visual acuity, without subsequent formation of ERMs.