The macula is the small, sensitive area of the retina that provides our central vision. The macula allows us to see fine details and gives the "pinpoint" vision we use for tasks such as reading small print, recognizing faces, shapes, and colors, threading a needle, seeing a computer screen, and driving a car.
When a hole develops in the macula, it can cause blurred and distorted central vision that worsens over time. The good news is that this hole can be repaired with a common procedure called a vitrectomy. You may be required to stay in a face-down position or to keep your eyes looking down for several days.
The macula is the area of the retina that is responsible for clear vision. As a person ages, the vitreous inside the eye begins to shrink. When this occurs in the macular area, the retina initiates a healing response with a migration of cells found within the retina itself. These cells form a thin layer of scar tissue known as a macular pucker or epiretinal membrane. The only known treatment is a common procedure called a vitrectomy.
Treatment for macular edema aims to address the underlying cause and reduce fluid buildup in the macula. Treatment recommendations might include medications, like corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory eye drops, laser treatment, or intravitreal injections.
Vision loss is typically not noticed with mild NPDR, but when the leaked fluid causes swelling in the retina, the macula can be affected. DME, when the tiny blood vessels within the retina leak blood or fluid, is the most common cause of vision loss with diabetes.
