The edema is caused by fluid leaking from retinal blood vessels. Central vision, used for reading and other close detail work, is affected. Because the macula is surrounded by many tiny blood vessels, anything affecting them, such as a medical condition affecting blood vessels elsewhere in the body or an abnormal condition originating in the eye, can cause macular edema. Retinal blood vessel obstruction, eye inflammation, and age-related macular degeneration have all been associated with macular edema. The macula may also be affected by swelling following cataract extraction, though typically this resolves itself naturally.
Treatment seeks to remedy the underlying cause of the edema.
Eyedrops, injections of cortisone around the eye or laser surgery can be used to treat a macular edema. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for acute central vision, the vision one uses for reading, watching television, and recognizing faces. A macular hole is a small round opening in the macula. The hole causes a blind spot or blurred area directly in the center of your vision. Most macular holes occur in the elderly.