Macular Edema: So Many Types

Macular Edema: So Many Types

Macular edema simply means accumulation, or build-up, of fluid of the macula.  Synonyms include; clinically significant macular edema (CSME), diabetic macular edema (DME), cystoid macular edema (CME) and retinal edema.  There are slight nuances with some of the terms, but basically it means “swelling.”

Macular Edema – a generic term indicating fluid build up in the macula, but can be from any cause; diabetes, macular degeneration, vein occlusions; etc.  I prefer to use it to distinguish macular swelling from macular degeneration versus diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – this is probably the most common term that I use and is found in the literature.  This is basically the same as CSME, that is, swelling and thickening caused by diabetic retinopathy.  I think it a more useful term as it contains the word “diabetic.”  It becomes self explanatory.

Clinically Significant Macular Edema (CSME) – basically macular swelling related to diabetic retinopathy only.  More specifically, it does imply that it meets certain criteria requiring treatment.  It is a term that was created to establish when laser treatment was necessary to treat the macular edema due to diabetic retinopathy.

Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) – this is a bit more esoteric.  It refers to macular fluid, or thickening,  from really any cause, except diabetes.  CME may develop after a retinal vein occlusion, following cataract surgery or cases of uveitis.

Retinal Edema is thickening of any part of the retina.  It really means non-macular swelling.  Since this has little or no impact on the vision (as the macula is uninvolved), it isn’t used very often.  It is also too broad a term to have much use.

What Does This Mean? As I write, I try to keep the terms pretty straightforward.  I think for our purposes diabetic macular edema (DME) is best suited for situations caused by diabetic retinopathy.  Macular edema is a term best used for swelling from macular degeneration.  Fewer terms; keeping it simple.

3 Comments
  • Pingback:Lucentis and Laser Treatment Best for Diabetic Retinopathy
    Posted at 09:06h, 30 April Reply

    […] Does This Mean? This may quickly become the standard to treat diabetic macular edema. The results, actually of all 3 arms, were improved compared to just laser treatment alone. This […]

  • Pingback:Steroid and anti-VEGF Injections Treat Diabetic Retinopathy
    Posted at 08:36h, 12 May Reply

    […] both Avastin and a steroid injection can be a useful way to treat stubborn macular edema from diabetic retinopathy.  While both can be used alone to treat macular swelling in diabetic […]

  • Kaushik
    Posted at 22:23h, 16 February Reply

    Hi!
    On 3rd of Jan I underwent silicone oil extraction surgery. Last week I has OCT done as my central vision was very poor. It is found that macula has some oedema and central fovea has some thinning. Sub tenon Kenakort inj was given on 13th Feb. Doc also told me to continue with Nevanac eye drops. I want to know how long it takes for this problem to resolve?

    Regards
    Kaushik

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