Macular Oedema: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Macular oedema is swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina. It can cause blurred or wavy central vision, dull colours or different image size between the eyes. It is a finding with several possible causes, not one diagnosis with one treatment.

Causes and assessment

Possible causes include diabetic eye disease, retinal vein occlusion, wet age-related macular degeneration, inflammation, eye surgery and selected medicines. An ophthalmologist may use a dilated examination, retinal imaging and other tests to identify the cause and guide urgency.

Treatment depends on the cause

Options can include observation, management of an underlying condition, eye injections, selected drops, laser or surgery. The National Eye Institute macular oedema guide explains that treatment choice varies with the cause. One treatment or response cannot be assumed from symptoms alone.

When to seek urgent care

New or sudden loss of vision, a dark curtain or shadow, flashes, a rapid increase in floaters, severe eye pain or marked redness requires urgent eye assessment. Do not delay emergency care for travel or an online consultation.

Read Revitalize’s diabetic retinopathy information and use the contact route to confirm whether a contracted ophthalmologist and hospital provide the required assessment.