Macular edema: symptoms and diagnosis

Background In this study, the "Macular edema" syndrome is examined in detai l from the symptoms right through to the diagnosis. The 9 most important di fferential diagnoses are also listed, as well as a summary of the currently applicable therapy recommendations. Material and methods This overview is based on existing literature as well as own case studies. Results - The symptoms of macular edema consist of visual acuity deterioration, mic ropsy, metamorphopsy, reduced colour perception, as well as central or para central scotoma. - Ophthalmologist checks should include a case history (age, diabetes, hype rtonia, allergies, cataract surgery?), a detailed examination of the fundus , if possible with a slit-lamp and a contact or non-contact lens, whereby o ne must pay attention here to the swelling of the retina as well as the pre sence of hard exsudates in the macular region. It is important to use fluor escence angiography in this case, to achieve a correct differential diagnos is, and eventually for treatment. This angiography may equally reveal a cap illary leakage, a cystoid macular edema, a leaking point or a choroidal neo vascularization. - The differential diagnosis can be divided into the following commonly-occ urring groups: age-related macular degene-ration/macular edema after a bran ch or central retinal vein thrombosis/central serous chorioretinopathy/Irvi ne-Gass syndrome after cataract operation/uveitis/epiretinal fibroplasia/ju xtafoveal retinal teleangiectasis and tumors (choroidal melanoma, metastasi s and hemangioma). - Treatment: Apart from the seldomly applicable causal therapy, the followi ng treatments can be used: laser photocoagulation, anti-inflammatory and ri nse medication, and in same cases vitrectomy as well as a low dosage of rad iation therapy. Conclusions In the case of macular edema the ophthalmologist's responsabili ty is to perform a differential diagnosis and recommend appropriate and sen sible methods or treatment.