CME (Cystoid Macular Edema) is when tiny, fluid-filled sacs called cystoid develop in the macula. This causes the macula to swell, which affects your detailed vision.
Cystoid Macular Edema Symptoms:
The most common symptom of CME is distorted central vision. This is when things in front of you look wavy and blurry. CME does not affect your peripheral (side) vision. You may find that objects look dark or dim. Sometimes, things can look pink (even though they are not really pink). You also may be sensitive to light.
Cystoid Macular Edema Causes:
Doctors do not know what causes CME. However, you are more likely to have CME if you have had:
- blocked blood vessels in the retina (called retinal vein occlusion)
- uveitis (when the layer of the eyeball under the white of the eye is swollen)
- an eye injury
- CME in the other eye
- diabetes, or if you take certain medicines for glaucoma or diabetes, or take niacin (vitamin B3)
- cataract surgery or other eye surgery. About 30% of patients who have had eye surgery develop CME later.
Cystoid Macular Edema Treatments:
There are many ways to treat CME. They include:
- eye drops to reduce swelling in the macula. These eye drops could be steroid or non-steroid eye drops.
- injections (shots) of medicine in the eye
- other types of drugs to reduce swelling
- laser surgery to repair leaking blood vessels in your retina
- surgery called vitrectomy to remove scar tissue on your macula
Call to schedule an appointment today 1-800-575-4314.