Macular Edema

The macula is the area in the very middle of your retina that is responsible for your central, detailed vision. Edema means swelling from an accumulation of fluid. When a person develops macular edema, fluid builds up within the retina and causes the macula to swell and thicken. This is macular edema or “ME”.

There sometimes no visual signs of early macular edema. As swelling continues the vision may begin to decrease. The vision can become wavy and blurry centrally. Some patients notice a washed out appearance in colors or a diminishing of vision while reading. A dilated examination by your ophthalmologist and high definition photographs of the retina can determine if macular edema is present.

The most common cause of ME (although not the only cause) is diabetes. Damaged blood vessels from uncontrolled diabetes can cause abnormal fluid and leakage from the retinal blood vessels. ME can also be a result of macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, certain medications and can occasionally happen after cataract surgery.

There are several treatments available for macular edema, depending on cause and severity. Mild forms of the condition can be treated with topical steroid eye drops. More advanced cases may require treatments with eye injections. Depending on the underlying cause of the edema, laser treatments and multiple medication injections may be necessary.

Most cases of macular edema are treated very successfully. Chronic or untreated cases can lead to irreversible damage and permanent loss of vision.