Swelling of the central macular region of the retina can reduce the visual acuity (sharpness of vision). The most common causes of macular edema include diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disorders related to systematic hypertension (high blood pressure) and inflammatory conditions (uveitis).

Macular edema can be detected with ophthalmic biomicroscopy ophthalmic computerized tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography.

Treatment options include focal laser photocoagulation and intraocular medicine injection.