Cystoid Macular Edema
Overview
Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) is a swelling of the
retina in the area of the
macula. Fluid builds up between layers
of the macula in small pockets called cysts. CME can result from eye disease, eye
injury, or eye surgery (most well known of which is
cataract surgery). While CME causes distorted
and blurred vision, treatment is often very effective & vision is restored.
Signs & Symptoms of Cystoid Macular Edema
Cystoid macular edema is characterized by a gradual, painless reduction in vision clarity. As
swelling alters the shape of the retina at the back of the eye, vision also becomes distorted. Vision
may also take on a pink tinge and light sensitivity may also occur.
Detection & Diagnosis of Cystoid Macular Edema
Early stages of cystoid macular edema are extremely difficult to detect during a routine eye
examination, so eye doctors are largely dependent on listening to the symptoms experienced by a patient
to diagnose cystoid macular edema. In the 1-3% of cataract surgery patients who develop CME, symptoms
tend to develop within 2-4 months of cataract surgery.
If further testing is necessary to diagnose cystoid macular edema, a
fluorescein angiography can be
used to examine the blood vessel system within the eye.
Treatment of Cystoid Macular Edema
The primary treatment for cystoid macular edema is to determine and treat the underlying cause.
Once this is under control, cystoid macular edema tends to resolve spontaneously within 6 months. In
many cases, anti-inflammatory drops can be used to reduce swelling and inflammation.
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