What Is Macular Edema?
Macular edema occurs when fluid leaks from damaged blood vessels in the retina, causing the macula to swell. This condition is often associated with other eye or systemic diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, or uveitis. It can significantly impact central vision, making tasks like reading or recognizing faces challenging.
Symptoms of Macular Edema
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional care:
- Blurry or wavy central vision
- Difficulty seeing fine details
- Faded or washed-out colors
- Dark or empty spots in your vision
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Diabetic Retinopathy: A leading cause of macular edema, particularly in individuals with long standing or poorly controlled diabetes.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion: Blockages in retinal veins can lead to fluid leakage and swelling.
- Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye can damage retinal blood vessels.
- Eye Surgery: Certain procedures, such as cataract surgery, may increase the risk of macular edema.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Advanced AMD can result in swelling of the macula.
How We Diagnose Macular Edema
At River City Retina Consultants, we use cutting-edge technology to accurately diagnose macular edema and determine its underlying cause:
- Dilated Eye Exam: Allows for a detailed view of the retina and macula.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution imaging to measure macular thickness and detect fluid buildup.
- Fluorescein Angiography: Highlights leaking blood vessels to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Treatment Options for Macular Edema
Effective treatment can reduce swelling, improve vision, and prevent further damage:
Medications:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications like Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea or Vabysmo, to name a few, reduce fluid leakage and abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Steroid Injections or Implants: Help control inflammation and reduce swelling in conditions like uveitis or diabetic macular edema.
Laser Therapy:
- Focal Laser Treatment: Seals leaking blood vessels to prevent further fluid accumulation.
- Grid Laser Therapy: Targets a larger area of the retina in diffuse macular edema.
Surgical Options:
- Vitrectomy: Removes vitreous gel and scar tissue to relieve traction on the macula in certain cases.
