Macular Edema

Macular edema is swelling of the macula, the small area of the retina responsible for central vision, of which the central 5% of the retina is most critical to vision. The edema is caused by fluid leaking from retinal blood vessels. Blood leaks out of the weak vessel walls into a very small area of the macula which is rich in cones, the nerve endings that detect color and from which daytime vision depends. Blurring occurs in the middle or just to the side of the central visual field, It can appear like one is looking through cellophane. Visual loss may progress over a period of months, and can be very annoying because of the inability to focus clearly.

• Certain nutrients such as Serraflazyme, Fish Oil, and MSM, and other vitamins and nutrients may help recovery from Macular Edema and preserve vision.
• See diet and lifestyle recommendations

Because the macula is surrounded by many tiny capilaries, any conditions affecting the blood circulation anywhere in the body or in the eye can cause macular edema. Retinal capillary obstruction, inflammation of the eye, and age-related macular degeneration have all been associated with macular edema. The macula may also be affected by swelling following cataract surgery, but this normally resolves itself naturally.

ME rarely causes a permanent loss of vision, but the recovery is often a slow, gradual process over 2 to 15 months.

• Blurred central vision
• Distorted vision (straight lines may appear wavy)
• Vision is tinted pink
• Light sensitivity

These are the most important supplements and recommendations.

Causes

• Diseases including retinal vein occlusion, macular degeneration, diabetic macular leakage, eye inflammation, idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy, anterior or posterior uveitis, pars planitis, retinitis pigmentosa, radiation retinopathy, posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal membrane formation, idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasia, Nd:YAG capsulotomy or iridotomy. Some patients may have a history of use of topical epinephrine or prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma.
• Eye surgery
• Injury

Conventional Treatment

Self Help

• Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas
• Avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods)
• Avoid man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil, and especially margarines). Eating greater amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol appear to increase the risk of retinal problems
• Eliminate deep fat fried foods
• Avoid monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22).
• Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
• Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
• Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as Dr. Grossman's Whole Food Multivitamin and/or a good green drink such as Renewal Greens.
• Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
• Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
• Manage your emotional health Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life's problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, walks in the woods or prayer on a daily basis.

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