What is Macular Edema?
Macular edema is a condition where there is swelling in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Macular edema can be caused by several underlying conditions, including diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and uveitis.
The diagnosis of macular edema usually involves a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
The examination typically includes the following steps:
- Visual acuity test: The doctor will check the patient’s visual acuity, which is the ability to see details at a distance. This test is performed using an eye chart.
- Dilated eye exam: The doctor will use eye drops to dilate the patient’s pupils, which allows them to examine the retina and macula more closely.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test uses light waves to create cross-sectional images of the retina. OCT can help the doctor identify any swelling or fluid buildup in the macula.
- Fluorescein angiography: This test involves injecting a dye into the patient’s arm and then taking pictures of the retina as the dye circulates through the blood vessels. The dye helps the doctor identify any leaks or abnormalities in the blood vessels that may be causing macular edema.
In some cases, the doctor may also perform a visual field test, which measures the patient’s peripheral vision, or a tonometry test, which measures the pressure inside the eye.
The diagnosis of macular edema depends on the presence of fluid or swelling in the macula, as seen on OCT or fluorescein angiography, as well as the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Once the diagnosis is made, the doctor can recommend a treatment plan to help manage the macular edema and prevent further vision loss.