Macular edema is the swelling or thickening of the macula, a part in the retina in charge of central vision that allows us to capture details. This area of the eye is vital for proper visual quality.
Macular edema occurs when liquids accumulate in the macula from the blood vessels that irrigate the retina, due to an abnormality of these vessels, or because their walls are too thin and become permeable. This fluid accumulation inflames the macula.
In many cases of macular edema, peripheral vision is maintained, although central vision is altered in an intensity that may vary (mild or severe).
Occasionally, this condition may occur after eye surgery. In the case of macular edema that appears after cataract surgery, it is known as cystoid macular edema (CME).
However this visual condition can also be associated with other ocular pathologies, such as:
This disorder can also be caused by eye injuries or side effects of certain drugs.
In the case of those affected by diabetes, macular edema is usually the most common reason for vision loss.
Macular edema may appear silently at first, i.e., with few symptoms. It is also characterized for being a painless condition.
As it progresses, macular edema may present with the following symptoms:
In some cases, macular edema may appear rapidly, such as in the case of retinal vein thrombosis.
The most common clinical tests to diagnose macular edema are:
In case of macular edema, the ophthalmologist will prescribe the most appropriate treatment depending on the cause, evolution and medical history of the patient.
The most common treatments are:
Macular edema is sometimes associated with other pathologies such as diabetes. In these cases, it will be necessary to control this disease, making sure that the sugar levels are correct.
Macular edema cannot be prevented, although it can be detected early if periodic eye check-ups are performed, especially when predisposing factors are present.
AMD it is a pathology that affects the central vision. It progresses as the patient’s age increases and can lead to blindness if not treated early.
Intravitreal injections are used to administer drugs directly into the vitreous cavity in order to treat eye conditions and protect vision.
Macular degenerations are retinal diseases of genetic origin that cause an early degeneration of the macula that affect adults, young people and children.
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