Macular edema occurs when fluid and protein deposits collect on or under the macula of the eye (a yellow central are of the retina) and causes it to thicken and swell. The swelling may distort a person’s central vision, as the macula is near the center of the retina at the back of the eyeball. This area holds tightly packed cones that provide sharp, clear central vision to enable a person to see detail, form, and color that is directly in the direction of gaze.
Macular edema is often a complication of diabetic retinopathy and is the most common form of vision loss for people with diabetes particularly if it is left untreated.
