Macular Edema
Accumulation of fluid in the center of the retina that blurs central vision. It is a result of several ocular conditions and responds well to early treatment.
What Is Macular Edema?
Macular edema is the buildup of fluid within the macula, the central region of the retina. Fluid separates and thickens the retinal layers—which act like the sensor of a camera—causing images to lose sharpness. Rather than a standalone disease, it is a common consequence of several retinal and inflammatory conditions.
Main Causes
- •Diabetic macular edema, associated with diabetic retinopathy.
- •Retinal vein occlusions (CRVO & BRVO).
- •Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
- •Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema following ocular surgery (Irvine-Gass syndrome).
- •Intraocular inflammation (uveitis) and certain medications.
Symptoms & Diagnosis with OCT
Macular edema typically causes blurred central vision, reading difficulty, washed-out colors, and wavy distortion of straight lines.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is the key diagnostic exam. In seconds, without touching the eye, it reveals intraretinal and subretinal fluid and measures macular thickness in micrometers. Before cataract surgery, OCT also identifies subtle macular changes that guide intraocular lens selection.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and sustained-release corticosteroid implants are the primary therapies for diabetic, vascular occlusion, and neovascular cases. Post-operative cystoid macular edema often responds to anti-inflammatory eye drops and, when persistent, intravitreal corticosteroid therapy.
This condition is related to Retina & Intravitreal Injections and Cataract Surgery & Premium Lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can macular edema be cured?
In many cases, fluid resolves completely with treatment. In chronic conditions such as diabetes, edema can recur and requires regular monitoring.
Can someone with macular edema have cataract surgery?
Yes, but it is ideal to treat and stabilize the macular edema prior to cataract surgery and maintain closer follow-up during the post-operative period.