Macular edema is a painless disorder which affects the retina, the light-sensitive inner lining of the eye. When this condition is present, fluid appears in the macular portion of the retina responsible for central or "straight-a-head" vision and cause retinal swelling or edema.
Although the exact causes of macular edema are not known, it may accompany a variety of diseases such as retinal vein occlusion, ocular inflammatory conditions or diabetes. It most commonly occurs after cataract surgery. About three percent of those who have cataract extractions will experience decreased vision due to macular edema in the first year, usually from two to four months after surgery. If the disorder appears in one eye, there is an increased risk—as high as 50%—that it will also affect the second eye. However, most people recover their vision after some time.
The most common symptom of macular edema is blurred or decreased central vision (macular edema does not affect peripheral or side vision). There may also be painless retinal inflammation or swelling. However, the condition may be present even when no visual loss occurs. In these cases it is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist after a thorough medical eye examination, usually using a photographic test called a fluorescein angiogram.
Since many factors can lead to macular edema, it is not possible to say which treatment, if any, will prove effective. After the diagnosis has been made and confirmed, the ophthalmologist may attempt several kinds of treatment. Signs of retinal inflammation are usually treated with anti-inflammatory medications, including cortisone-like drugs (steroid drops, pills or local injections) or anti-inflammatory drugs. Diuretics such as Diamox may help to reduce the swelling in some cases.
If the vitreous (the clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye) is believed to be the source of the problem, vitrectomy surgery is sometimes beneficial. In some cases, the swelling and inflammation which accompanies macular edema can bring on glaucoma, a disorder which often occurs due to increased pressure within the eye. When this happens, the glaucoma must be treated with appropriate medications to reduce the pressure. A great deal of research is presently being conducted to determine the causes of macular edema. Hopefully, this research will lead to more exact prevention and treatment measures in the near future.
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