Overview

Macular oedema is a localised swelling in the macular area, leading to increased central retinal thickness. It accumulates in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) and may involve intracellular and extracellular retinal spaces. Additionally, Müller cell swelling has been seen. Macular oedema is a nonspecific sign or symptom of various intraocular and systemic diseases.

Causes

Macular oedema can be caused by various factors, including. 

• Diabetic retinopathy 

• Macular degeneration

• Retinal vein occlusion 

• Retinal pigmentosa (RP) and eye surgery. 

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause.

• Factors like smoking, overweight status, or heart disease can also contribute.

Symptoms

Macular oedema is a painless condition characterised by 

• Blurred or wavy central vision

• Colours that appear different or faded

• Difficulty reading. 

• It is often untreated, leading to severe vision loss, blindness, and unusual changes in object size.

Ayurvedic View

Timira- It is drushti gata roga (meaning disease that affects the eye vision). When dosha, namely vata, pitta and kapha, along with vitiated rakta, reach the patala of the eye (retina-macula) causes visual disturbance; this is macular oedema when there is shotha (swelling). If this is not treated or corrected, then it can cause loss of vision. The Ayurveda way of approach is to correct the root cause of this disease, bring dosha back to balance, reduce the symptoms by Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and special local treatment done for the eyes, so that the person's vision is improved.