Large Internal Limiting Membrane Tears: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Surgical Utility

•Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a pathologic condition commonly encountered in retina clinics.•Dehiscences of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) can be associated with ERM.•This study characterizes these large ILM tears and their associated findings.•Tangential traction from ERM contracture likely causes ILM tears.•Large ILM tears provide a convenient and safe “handle” to initiate membrane peeling.