Macular Edema
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is macular edema?
Macular edema is swelling from fluid buildup in the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina (thin membrane lining the inside of the back of the eye). The macula helps you see objects clearly and in full detail and color.
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What causes macular edema?
- Diabetes that is not well controlled
- Age-related macular degeneration
- A genetic condition such as retinitis pigmentosa
- Eye surgery, such as cataract surgery
- Certain medicines, such as glaucoma medicine
- An immune system condition such as uveitis (inflammation) that causes the body to attack eye tissue
- A vein in the retina that becomes blocked
What are the signs and symptoms of macular edema?
- Blurred or wavy vision
- Vision that gets worse over time
- Objects look different sizes when you look at them with each eye
- Seeing colors as faded or not as bright as before
- Loss of vision in the center of the eye that causes problems with reading or other activities
How is macular edema diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine your eyes and check for vision problems. Your pupils may be dilated (widened) so your provider can see your retinas more clearly. You may also need any of the following:
- Fluorescein angiogram pictures may show fluid buildup or problems with your retina.
- Optical coherence tomography is used to take pictures of the back part of your eyes. Your provider will check the pictures for swelling.
- An Amsler grid is used to check central vision. You will look at a picture of a grid to see if the lines look wavy or dark. This may mean you have central vision loss.
How is macular edema treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of your macular edema. You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be injected to lower the swelling or reverse the effects of the swelling.
- Eye drops that contain NSAIDs or steroids help lower the swelling.
- Laser treatment is used for edema caused by a condition such as diabetes.
- Surgery may be used to remove fluid from part of your eye.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
What can I do to protect my vision?
- Get an eye exam as often as directed. Eye exams are usually done every few months to monitor diabetic macular edema. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to have eye exams. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems may prevent permanent vision damage.
- Manage health conditions that can cause vision problems. Common examples include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Follow up with healthcare providers who manage these conditions.
- Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can damage your eyes and increase your risk for vision loss.
- Eat foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients. Healthy nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin. They can be found in foods such as spinach, peanuts, salmon, collard greens, avocados, squash, eggs, and blueberries. Ask your healthcare provider for a full list of foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients. You may also need to take a vitamin or supplement to help you get enough of these nutrients.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine can damage blood vessels in your eyes. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have new or increased vision problems.
- You have new or increased eye pain when you are in bright light, such as sunlight.
- Your symptoms prevent you from doing your daily activities.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
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