How are macular edema and diabetic retinopathy detected?
• Answer: Macular edema and diabetic retinopathy are detected during a comprehensive eye exam that includes: Visual acuity test . This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances. Dilated eye exam . Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours. Tonometry . An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test. Your eye care professional checks your retina for early signs of the disease, including: • Leaking blood vessels • Retinal swelling (macular edema) • Pale, fatty deposits on the retina–signs of leaking blood vessels • Damaged nerve tissue • Any changes to the blood vessels If your eye care professional believes you need treatment for macular edema, he or she may suggest a fluoresc
