While macular edema can resolve on its own, most symptomatic cases of swelling in the retina benefit from treatments prescribed by an ophthalmologist specialized in retina care.

The macula is another term for the center of the retina.  There are many causes for swelling (edema) of the macula, including due to vascular abnormalities such as those found in Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Uveitis.  Sometimes recent cataract surgery or infection can cause macular edema as well.  While mild cases of macular edema can resolve without treatment, most symptomatic patients benefit from treatments prescribed by retina specialists, including eye drops, eye injections, retinal laser, or retina surgery.