The macula is the part of the retina with photoreceptor cells called cones, enabling visual acuity. According to Mitchell Scheiman, Maxine Scheiman and Stephen G. Whittaker authors of “Low Vision Rehabilitation,” the condition called “macular edema” occurs when fluid leaks into the center of the macula, making it swell and vision blurred. Causes of macula edema include central retinal vein blockage, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, complications of cataract surgery and reactions to medication.
Focal Laser Treatment
Macula edema can be a very serious condition for diabetic patients, causing vision loss and even blindness. According to Donald S. Fong, M.D., M. P. H. and Robin Demi Ross, M.D. authors of “The Diabetes Eye Care Sourcebook,” laser treatment is very effective for treating ME. The National Eye Institute reports that the doctor may first perform a test called a fluorescein angiogram in order to determine what type of laser surgery to use. The procedure called “focal laser treatment” involves several hundred small laser burns to slow down fluid leakage and reduce the amount of fluid in the retina. This treatment stabilizes the condition but cannot improve vision.
Panretinal Photocoagulation
Scheiman, Scheiman and Whittaker report that macular edema may also be present in more severe cases of diabetic retinopathy where a laser treatment called “panretinal photocoagulation” may be performed. This treatment attempts to stop the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels. According to Gary H. Cassel, M.D., Michael D. Billig and Harry G. Randall, M.D. authors of “The Eye Book,” panretinal photocoagulation involves 800 to 2,000 pinpoint-sized burns that may take two or three sessions to finish.
Medications
According to The Macula Center, a condition called “cystoid macular edema” results when multiple cyst-like spaces form within the macula. The most common cause is a complication after recent eye surgery. Treatments using medicines includes ocular steroid eye drops, ocular steroid injections around the eyes and oral anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling. Cassal, Billig and Randall report that some medications cause macular edema and treatment is to end their use. Possible medications that cause macular edema include tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Istubal, Valodex) which is used to treat breast cancer; the hormone epinephrine also known as adrenoline; and propine, which is used to control intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
Alternative Treatments
According to the website Natural Eye Care, certain nutrients such as those found in fish and vitamins may help patients recover from macular edema. It recommends improving general health in order to treat eye conditions by eliminating smoking, caffeine, avoiding trans fats and MSG and limiting alcohol intake. It also recommends taking a daily multi-vitamin, an anti-inflammatory nutrient called serraflazyme, the vision health supplement methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and consuming lots of antioxidants through fruits and vegetables.
References
- The Macular Center: Cystoid Macular Edema
- Natural Eye Care: Macular Edema
- “Low Vision Rehabilitation”; Mitchell Scheiman, Maxine Scheiman and Stephen G. Whittaker; 2007
- “The Diabetes Eye Care Sourcebook”; Donald S. Fong, M.D., M.P.H. and Robin Demi Ross, M.D.; 1998
- “The Eye Book”; Gary H. Cassel, M.D., Michael D. Billig, O.D. and Harry G. Randall, M.D.; 1998
