Retinal edema
A buildup of fluid in the central part of the retina is called macular edema. If the macula is healthy, vision is sharp and clear. The light-receiving cells in the macula are responsible for sharp, central vision. When the blood vessels in the retina grow abnormally, they can bleed and leak fluid into the retina. If the fluid leaks under or near the macula, it can cause macular edema. The accumulated fluid has no way to drain and is not absorbed.
Macular edema is not an eye disease in itself, but rather a result of another eye problem. There are several eye diseases that can cause macular edema. Here are some of the most common:
Diabetes
Age-related macular degeneration
Eye surgery such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment
Retinal vascular occlusion
Inflammatory eye diseases
Genetic disorders
Symptoms
Blurred vision
Wavy lines
Decreased color clarity and quality
Loss of contrast sensitivity
Seeing hollow spots or black and gray spots
Difficulty reading, driving, and watching television
Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose macular edema is through a complete eye exam with the pupils dilated. Other tests used to diagnose macular edema include:
Amsler grid: The doctor asks the patient to look at a grid of squares on a white screen. If the patient has macular edema, the lines of the grid (especially the central lines) will either be blurred or will appear wavy and the squares will appear dark.
Fluorescein angiography
Leaky blood vessels are identified by injecting a dye called fluorescein.
OCT test: Imaging (scanning) of the retinal layers using light waves to determine the thickness of the retina
Treatment
Treatment for macular edema depends on the cause. If the cause is diabetes, you should follow the treatments recommended by your doctor in addition to controlling your diabetes. Below are some common treatments in brief.
Anti-VEGF drug injections: This treatment prevents light leakage in the retina. Anti-VEGF drug injections prevent vision loss and in some people even improve vision. Of course, the patient may need several injections.
Laser treatment: With the help of a laser, the leaking vessels in the retina are destroyed by laser.
Corticosteroid drugs: In some patients, pills, eye drops, or steroid drugs such as dexamethasone are prescribed to control inflammation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are prescribed as eye drops, are a good option for people who do not respond to steroids.
Vitrectomy surgery: During this surgery, the vitreous is drained and usually replaced with a special solution (BSS).