The macula is the central part of the retina at the back of the eye. It is responsible for fine vision including reading, writing, watching television and recognising faces.
Leaking blood vessels in the retina can cause fluid to accumulate in the macula, a condition known as macular oedema. This may occur spontaneously or may follow cataract surgery in a small proportion of people with inherited sight loss. The visual effects can include blurring of vision and distortion of vision.
Macular oedema can be detected or suspected by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by an examination of the eye using eye drops to dilate the pupil and a machine called a slit lamp to look at the back of the eye. It is then confirmed using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan.
Treatments for macular oedema include eye drops, tablets, and relatively painless injections around the eye or into the eye.
Further details can be obtained from your consultant.
