What Is Macular Edema?

Baptist Eye Surgeons • July 8, 2019

A close up of a person 's eye with a purple backgroundThe macula is in the center of your retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye, and it helps you see fine details and colors at a higher resolution than any camera can provide. When fluid builds up or blood vessels leak in the retina, it’s referred to as macular edema, and this swelling can distort your vision.

With macular edema, colors appear washed out and vision may be blurry. As more blood vessels leak or rupture, the risk of serious, permanent vision loss increases. There are many conditions that can cause blood vessels to swell or fluid to leak into the retina and cause macular edema, including:

Symptoms & Treatment

Macular edema is painless and doesn’t typically cause noticeable symptoms in the beginning stages of the condition. When symptoms do begin to occur, they are an indication that the blood vessels in the eye may be leaking. Common symptoms of macular edema include:

  • Blurred or distorted central vision
  • Colors appear faded or different
  • Increased difficulty reading

To diagnose macular edema, an ophthalmologist will dilate your pupils so that he or she can examine the back of your eye. Should macular edema be detected, treatment will require addressing the underlying cause of the leakage and retinal swelling. Depending on what’s causing it, treatment for macular edema may include:

  • Medication injections called anti-VEGF drugs to reduce abnormal blood vessels.
  • Steroid treatments to reduce inflammation, in the form of eye drops, pills, or injections.
  • Eye-drop medication for cystoid macular edema, which can occur after cataract surgery.
  • Laser treatment to seal leaking blood vessels.
  • Vitrectomy surgery to remove leakage and scar tissue from the retina.

Depending on the underlying cause of macular edema and the treatment plan your ophthalmologist recommends, it may take may take several months to resolve the condition. During this time period, it’s crucial to follow the treatment plan that your ophthalmologist has recommended so that treatment is effective and further vision loss is prevented.

If you are experiencing blurry vision or have had more difficulty reading, schedule a consultation with an eye doctor at Baptist Eye Surgeons. Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to complex eye surgeries. To meet our doctors and learn more about our specialities, visit our website, or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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