Macular edema

Macular Edema is a medical condition characterized by the swelling or thickening of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed, central vision. This condition is often associated with various diseases, most commonly diabetes, but can also occur as a result of eye surgery, uveitis, or retinal vein occlusion.

Causes

Macular edema is typically caused by a buildup of fluid in the macula due to damaged or leaky blood vessels in the retina. This can occur as a result of various diseases and conditions, including:

• Diabetes: Diabetic macular edema is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina of people with diabetes.
• Eye surgery: Macular edema can occur as a complication of eye surgery, particularly cataract surgery.
• Uveitis: This inflammatory eye condition can cause swelling in the retina and macular edema.
• Retinal vein occlusion: This condition, which is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina, can result in macular edema.

Symptoms

The symptoms of macular edema can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include:

• Blurred or distorted central vision
• Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
• Colors appearing washed out or changed
• A central dark spot in the field of vision

Treatment

Treatment for macular edema typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may include:

• Laser treatment: This can be used to seal leaking blood vessels in the retina, reducing swelling in the macula.
• Medication: Certain medications can help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye.
• Vitrectomy: In severe cases, a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel from the middle of the eye may be necessary.

See Also

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinal Vein Occlusion
• Uveitis
• Cataract Surgery