How does diabetic macular edema affect vision?
The primary symptom of macular edema is blurry or wavy vision near or in the center of your field of vision. Colors might also appear washed out or faded. Most people with macular edema will have symptoms that range from slightly blurry vision to noticeable vision loss.
What is clinically significant macular edema?
Clinically-significant macular edema (CSME) [3] is defined as one or more of the following: retinal thickening at or within 500 μm of the center of the macula; hard exudates at or within 500 μm of the center of the macula, if associated with adjacent retinal thickening; or a zone or zones of retinal thickening one disc …
What can be done for macular edema?
Treatment for macular edema depends on what’s causing it, and can include:
- Medication injections. There are medications called anti-VEGF drugs.
- Steroid treatment. When macular edema is caused by inflammation, steroid medication may be used.
- Eye-drop medication.
- Laser treatment.
Is macular edema a retinopathy?
Is macular edema a retinopathy? Even though the macula is part of the retina, macular edema is not a retinopathy. It’s a complication of diabetic retinopathy or some other condition.
Can macular edema resolve itself?
Rarely, macular edema will go away on its own. However, if you have symptoms of macular edema, it’s important that you see an ophthalmologist right away. If left untreated, macular edema can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. There are several treatment options available for macular edema.
What causes thickening of the retina?
Macular edema results from damaged blood vessels in the retina. Damaged blood vessels can leak blood, fluids, and small amounts of fat. These can accumulate on the macula, causing thickening or swelling.
How long does it take for macular edema to resolve?
The macular edema may take up to a month to approximately four months to go away.
Can vision be restored after macular edema?
Macular edema cannot be cured but can be treated effectively if diagnosed early. Vision can be better preserved with early treatment of macular edema and the underlying condition causing it. Recovery from macular edema is slow and gradual and may even take months.
Is macular edema permanent?
Macular edema rarely causes a permanent loss of vision and can usually be easily treated, but the recovery is often a slow, gradual process. Though the condition is typically not considered serious, it can be a sign or symptom of a more serious health problem that may need to be addressed.