Cystoid macular edema is an eye disease caused by fluid buildup in the retina, often due to damaged blood vessels. It can result from surgery, trauma, diabetes, or infections. Symptoms include blurred vision and impaired central vision. Treatment includes eye drops, injections, or surgery.
Cystoid macular edema is an eye disease in which small pockets, or cysts, of fluid build up in the center of the retina. In most cases, fluid buildup is the result of broken or leaky blood vessels in the eye. Cataract surgery is a leading cause of cystoid macular edema due to accidental damage to blood vessels in the retina. Many other conditions, including trauma, diabetes, and viral infections, can also precede the disorder. Blurred vision and other symptoms usually go away on their own within a few weeks, but persistent cases may need to be treated with eye drops or occasionally surgery.
The macula is a small point in the center of the retina that focuses central vision. There are hundreds of tiny blood vessels around the macula which, if damaged, can leak fluid and create yellow cysts. The condition is usually painless, although central vision can be significantly impaired. A person may have trouble focusing on objects or text directly in front of them. Peripheral vision is typically left intact.
Surgical procedures to reattach a damaged retina or clear up cataracts can result in cystoid macular edema. Following a delicate operation, the immune system instinctively triggers a mild chemical response to help the eyes heal. The resulting inflammation can damage blood vessels and possibly cause them to rupture. Most cases of post-surgical cystoid macular edema resolve on their own without treatment in two to three weeks as the eyes continue to recover.
A person may also develop cystoid macular edema as a result of an eye injury or infection. Diabetes is also a significant risk factor, as the disease is known to damage blood vessels in the retina. Additionally, some prescription medications, including those for glaucoma and some cancers, can also trigger cystoid macular edema.
An eye doctor can usually diagnose the condition during a routine eye exam. If it’s not clear whether swelling and multiple cysts are present, an X-ray procedure called fluorescein angiography may be done. A fluorescent dye is injected into the bloodstream, where it is dispersed into the blood vessels of the eye. X-ray images can track the movement of the dye to see if vessels are leaking in the macula.
Treatment for persistent cystoid macular edema depends on the underlying cause. When infections and diabetes are treated accordingly, symptoms usually resolve quickly. Medicated eye drops or injections may be given to relieve inflammation and reduce healing time. If other treatments fail, surgery to cauterize blood vessels and remove damaged tissue may be considered.
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