Macular Edema in Washington, DC
Macular edema is an eye condition characterized by swelling in the
macula, the central part of the retina. It’s a condition most
commonly caused by diabetes.
What is the Macula?
The macula is near the center of the retina, the area responsible for
sensing light. The macula is responsible for sharp, detailed focus.
What Happens When You Have Macular Edema?
When you have macular edema, it means there is swelling around the
macula, which can cause:
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Blurred vision
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Wavy vision
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Washed out colors
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Difficulty reading
-
Blindness
How Diabetes Can Lead to Macular Edema
High blood sugar levels in blood from diabetes can cause fluid to
leak into the macula, causing macular edema.
Other Causes of Macular Edema
In addition to diabetes, other conditions can cause macular edema,
including:
-
Age-related macular degeneration or AMD, causing abnormal blood
vessels to form and leak fluid
-
Macular pucker with vitreomacular traction, caused by vitreous fluid
being partially attached to the macula
-
Retinal vein occlusion, or blocked veins in the retina, which cause
blood and fluid to leak into the macula
-
Hereditary conditions and inflammatory eye disease can also cause
macular edema
-
Some medications, eye tumors, and eye surgery can also lead to
macular edema
How Your Eye Doctor Can Treat Macular Edema
Treatment for macular edema depends on the underlying cause, and can
include:
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Medication injections, known as anti-VEGF drugs, which reduce
abnormal blood vessels and blood vessel leakage
-
Steroid treatment, to reduce inflammation which can cause macular
edema
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Eye-drop medication, to reduce cysts which may occur after cataract
surgery
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Laser therapy, to seal off leaking blood vessels
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Surgery to remove the vitreous fluid and restore the flat shape of
the macula
To find out more about macular edema and how it can affect your
vision, call Dr. Jeevan Mathura, JR. at Diabetic Eye & Macular
Disease Specialists in Washington, DC. You can reach him in the
office by calling (202) 506-3479, so call today.