About ten years ago I was diagnosed with a choroidal hemangeoma in the left eye after it started to "leak" the first time...The diagnosis took 3 doctors and almost a year. Over the years the condition has been treated with lasers 6 or 7 times with a reasonable degree of sucess. The last time (in early Feb.) the results were so bad I decieded to ask for a second opinon when another treatment with laser was "suggested". The next Doctor found in addition to the hemangeoma, a macular cyst, CME and something about the pigment I didn't quite catch. No treatment was offered or suggested, I was simply scheduled for more tests a month in the future. So far only my left eye is involved. Should I be getting some treatment for the CME at least?
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M.D. (reg@ofcn.org)
Unfortunately, a forum such as this does not lend itself to answering such specific questions. Specific information should be obtained from your private ophthalmologist.
I can tell you that CME (cystoid macular edema) is a common problem that has many different causes. Sometimes it can be treated medically. In other situations, laser or surgery might be beneficial.
Cystoid macular edema is swelling and thickening of the retina in its very center. When the center of the retina, the macula, swells with fluid, the fluid accumulates in multiple, microscopic cysts. Looking at it under high magnification, the appearance of these cysts can resemble a bunch of grapes.
Cystoid macular edema (CME) causes a deterioration in central vision. If the CME is treated and resolves, the vision returns to normal. If the cysts get so large that they rupture, a macular hole develops that can cause a permanent loss of central vision.
I would strongly urge you to seek out the advice of your ophthalmologist.
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Copyright, 1996. Richard E. Gans, M. D. All rights reserved.
Richard E. Gans, M. D.
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Medical Director, The Health and Wellness Center
OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic
Email: reg@ofcn.org
WWW: http://www.ofcn.org:80/about.ofcn/whois/reg/
Mail: 26900 Cedar Road Suite #108
Beachwood, OH USA 44122-1148
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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