Macular Edema

Macular Edema services offered in Fairfax, VA

Macular edema is a common condition characterized by swelling in the light-sensitive tissues in the back of your eye (retina). It can cause a number of issues. Fortunately, it can be easily detected by an eye exam at Fairfax Cataract and Retina from board-certified ophthalmologist Mehrine Shaikh, MD. To schedule a visit, call the office in Fairfax, Virginia, or request an appointment online today.

How does macular edema develop?

Your eyes are filled with tiny blood vessels that nourish the tissues that enable vision. However, these blood vessels can easily become damaged and begin to leak fluids, leading to macular edema.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of macular edema. Additional causes of macular edema include:

Age-related macular degeneration
Eye surgery
Uveitis
Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinal vein occlusion
Certain medications

Dr. Shaikh routinely checks for signs of macular edema during comprehensive eye exams.

What are some signs I might have macular edema?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when it’s time to schedule a diagnostic eye exam. However, it’s important to note that macular edema doesn’t always create clear symptoms. The most common indication of the condition is a gradual worsening of your vision over time, which many people don’t immediately notice.

Some signs that you might have macular edema include:

Blurred vision
Perceiving objects as being wavy
Colors that appear faded or dull
Perceiving the same object as having a different size when viewed from one eye
Difficulty reading

Because the symptoms of macular edema are not always easy to identify, it’s essential to come in for frequent professional eye exams. The Fairfax Cataract and Retina team has the tools and technology needed to detect this condition in the earliest stages.

Are there ways to treat macular edema?

If you have macular edema, the priority is identifying the cause. Dr. Shaikh will ask questions about your overall health and wellness to try and find the source of your symptoms.

If a condition like diabetes is likely to blame for macular edema, it’s important to work with your physician to try and bring your diabetes under control. Medications and lifestyle changes can help.

There are also medications to treat macular edema. Some work by immediately reducing swelling within your eye and are administered via injection. Medicated eye drops can also help resolve swelling.

Laser therapies can help stop leaking blood vessels, especially if injectable medication or eye drops have not improved your macular edema. Surgery is also an option, including a vitrectomy to remove some of the vitreous gel within your eye to reduce swelling.

When you’re ready to learn more, call Fairfax Cataract and Retina or request an appointment online today.