Macular Edema

What is macular edema?

Macular edema is a build-up of fluid in the macula that leads to swelling. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for the fine detail in front of you: the faces of friends and loved ones, or the text in a book or an email. Macular edema can distort your vision and make things look blurry; it can also make colors look faded and washed out.

What causes it?

Macular edema usually happens when damaged blood vessels leak, causing swelling. Common causes include:

Age-related macular degeneration

Abnormal blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the retina, resulting in swelling of the macula.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled high blood sugar damages blood vessels, which leak into the macula.

Retinal vein occlusion

A blocked retinal vein lets fluid and blood make their way into the macula.

Medication

Certain medications have side effects that can result in macular edema.

Injury

Trauma or injury to the eye can lead to macular edema.

Eye surgery

Although uncommon, macular edema can develop after surgery for glaucoma, the retina or cataracts.

Signs and symptoms

In the early stages there are usually no symptoms or pain. As the condition progresses you may notice:

• Finding it more challenging to read
• Central vision that is wavy or blurry
• Colors that look washed out, faded or different than usual

These symptoms often mean blood vessels in your eye have begun leaking. See your ophthalmologist as soon as you notice them, because macular edema can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the root cause and focuses on reducing swelling and leakage. Your eye doctor may use one or more of the following:

Anti-VEGF injections

These reduce the formation of abnormal blood vessels on the retina and decrease leaking. They are delivered with a very fine needle.

Steroids

If inflammation is the cause, steroid medication may be used, as pills, injections or drops.

Laser treatment

Focal laser treatment stabilizes vision by sealing leaking blood vessels around the macula.

Vitrectomy

If the edema is caused by the vitreous pulling on the macula, your surgeon removes the vitreous and any scar tissue from the macula.

Whatever the treatment, it can take several months for macular edema to resolve. Continue following the regimen outlined by your eye doctor for the most effective results.

Videos: understanding your condition and treatment

Patient-education videos from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Captions are available with the CC button.