How serious is macular edema, and how can it be treated?

Mar 29, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Cui Xin

Introduction

Macular edema refers to swelling of the macula in the retina and is a relatively serious condition that may lead to a rapid decline in vision. It can generally be treated with eye drops, medication injections, or surgery. If the macular edema is caused by retinal vein occlusion, laser treatment of the retina is usually performed.

1. Eye drops: If macular edema is caused by ocular inflammation, it can usually be treated with eye drops. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as levofloxacin ophthalmic solution, rifampicin ophthalmic solution, and tobramycin ophthalmic solution may be used.

2. Medication injections: If macular edema results from diabetic retinopathy causing leakage in retinal blood vessels, it is generally necessary to control blood pressure and glucose levels, along with injecting anti-VEGF drugs such as ranibizumab, aflibercept, or conbercept for treatment.

3. Surgery: If macular edema is caused by retinal vein occlusion, it is typically treated with laser therapy on the retina.

Patients may also use physical therapy methods to relieve discomfort symptoms. It is recommended that patients consult professional doctors at正规 hospitals and, under medical guidance, adopt comprehensive treatment measures according to individual conditions.

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How long does a fundus angiography take?

Fluorescein angiography can be used to examine retinal vascular diseases such as retinal periphlebitis, macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. It not only aids in diagnosing these conditions but also helps in formulating appropriate treatment plans. The procedure usually takes a short time, approximately half an hour, and results are typically available about one hour after the examination.

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Is a macular hole in the eye serious?

The macular hole in the eye is relatively severe. In its early stages, a macular hole may not cause any symptoms, but as the condition progresses, it can seriously impair central vision, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, distorted objects, and central scotoma (a blind spot in the center of vision). Without timely treatment, it may result in vision loss and trigger complications including epiretinal membrane formation and cystoid macular edema. In severe cases, it can lead to retinal detachment, causing complete vision loss and eventual blindness.

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Will macular edema definitely lead to blindness?

Macular edema does not necessarily lead to blindness. Macular edema refers to the accumulation of fluid within the retinal tissue of the macula and is not an independent eye disease. It can cause decreased vision and visual distortion in patients. With timely treatment such as medication, laser therapy, or surgery, vision can usually be preserved. However, if proper treatment is not received promptly, it may result in irreversible damage to vision, and in severe cases, lead to blindness.

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What is the traditional Chinese medicine treatment for macular edema?

If a patient develops macular edema, treatment can be administered through the use of traditional Chinese patent medicines or herbal prescriptions. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take Chinese patent medicines such as Shihu Mingmu Pills, Mingmu Shangqing Tablets, Hexue Mingmu Tablets, or Qiming Granules, or use traditional herbal formulas such as Wuling San combined with Liu Junzi Tang (modified), Wendan Tang, modified Wuling San, or Huangqin Banxia Tang.