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Macular edema is a common complication of diabetes, affecting about one in 14 people with the condition. It can also occur due to other issues, including uveitis and retinal vein occlusion. At Greater Dallas Retina in McKinney, Texas, expert ophthalmologists and retina specialists Kruti Dajee, MD, Archana Nair, MD, and their team regularly treat macular edema. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Macular Edema Q & A
What is macular edema?
Macular edema occurs when fluid builds up in your macula, a small piece of tissue in the retina responsible for producing clear, central vision. As the buildup worsens, the macula swells, resulting in blurry and distorted vision.
Macular edema is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Without intervention, it can lead to complications such as vision loss and blindness.
What causes macular edema?
Macular edema is caused by leakage of fluid at the back of your eye. The most common cause is leaking blood vessels damaged by conditions such as diabetes or retinal vein occlusion. However, several other conditions may also lead to macular edema, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Macular pucker
- Inflammatory eye diseases, such as uveitis
- Eye tumors
- Eye trauma
- Genetic disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa
Sometimes, macular edema is a side effect of certain medications.
Regardless of the cause, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of vision loss and other complications.
How is macular edema diagnosed?
Your Greater Dallas Retina provider reviews your health history, asks about your symptoms, and completes a comprehensive eye exam. They also dilate your pupils with special eye drops so they can look at the retina in the back of your eye.
If necessary, your provider may also order additional tests, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography. These measures can help determine if your macula is swollen and if there are abnormal blood vessels leaking fluid.
How is macular edema treated?
The Greater Dallas Retina team treats macular edema using a minimally invasive approach whenever possible. They may recommend:
- Anti-VEGF injections to reduce fluid leakage and swelling in the retina
- Prescription steroids to reduce inflammation
- Medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation
- Laser treatment to stabilize vision and seal off leaking blood vessels
- Vitrectomy to relieve traction on the macula and improve retinal health
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and some people need more than one treatment. For optimal results, follow your provider’s instructions carefully, take any medication as prescribed, and attend each of your follow-up appointments.
To explore your treatment options for macular edema, make an appointment at Greater Dallas Retina today. Call the office or request an appointment online today.