Cystoid Macular Degeneration: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Cystoid macular degeneration (CMD) occurs when you develop fluid-filled cysts on the central part of your retina. It’s a feature of various eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration and central serous chorioretinopathy.
Cystoid macular degeneration (CMD) isn’t a diagnosis by itself. It’s a feature of numerous eye conditions, such as:
CMD is characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts on the central part of your retina, called your macula. The buildup of fluid can lead to blurry vision that onsets quickly.
Keep reading to learn more about CMD, including symptoms and treatment options.
Cystoid macular degeneration vs. cystoid macular edema
CMD is closely related to another condition called cystoid macular edema (CME). CME refers to the development of fluid-filled cysts in the center of your retina.
Experts propose that the term “CMD” should apply when there’s no evidence of fluid leaking from these cysts, and “CME” should apply when there’s evidence of leaking.
The term CMD is poorly defined. Its initial use was to refer to a complication of CME in people with chronic retinal vein occlusion.
Although there’s no standard definition, some doctors have accepted the definition of a cyst larger than 600 nanometers as the cutoff for CMD in people with diabetes-related macular swelling. This is roughly 1,000 times thinner than a line made by a ballpoint pen.
What can lead to cystoid macular degeneration?
CMD isn’t a medical diagnosis by itself but a feature of other conditions that affect your retina. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it shares risk factors with CME, such as:
Macular degeneration
CMD can be a feature of macular degeneration caused by genetic diseases or age-related macular degeneration, especially the wet form of this disease. Wet macular degeneration is less common than the dry form, but it can lead to more rapid vision loss.
Risk factors for age-related macular degeneration include:
CSCR
CMD can also be a feature of a condition called CSCR, in which your macula becomes separated from the tissue behind it and fluid builds up in this space. The name “CSCR” can be broken into several parts:
- “chorioretinopathy,” meaning it affects the retina and the choroid (the layer of tissue under your retina that contains blood vessels)
- “serous,” meaning related to fluid
- “central,” meaning it affects your macula
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people assigned male at birth in their 30s to 50s are most likely to develop CSCR. Stress is one of the major risk factors, along with:
Retinal vein occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion is when one of the veins that carries blood away from your retina becomes blocked. Risk factors include:
What are the symptoms of cystoid macular degeneration?
The most common symptom of CMD and CME is sudden blurriness that starts quickly in one eye. This blurriness affects your central vision but not your peripheral vision.
You may also have light sensitivity or find that objects look more faded than usual.
Your underlying condition causing CMD might cause additional symptoms. Pain isn’t typical because your retinas don’t have pain receptors.
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How do doctors diagnose cystoid macular degeneration?
An eye doctor can use several tests to assess whether you have a problem with your retina. Some of the main tests include:
Doctors can use fluorescein angiography to differentiate CMD from CME. People with CME have a leaking or pooling of dye that the special camera can pick up.
What is the treatment for cystoid macular degeneration?
Treatment for CMD and underlying conditions can include:
What is the outlook for people with cystoid macular degeneration?
The outlook for people with CMD varies depending on the underlying cause. Some people have permanent vision loss. In general, receiving quick treatment is associated with a better outcome.
In a 2021 study, researchers found that 63.1% of people with chronic CSCR and CMD maintained or gained vision after treatment.
In a 2019 study, researchers found that people with diabetes-related macular swelling had more retinal damage if they had CMD versus CME.
What is Cystoid Macular Degeneration?
Cystoid Macular Degeneration is an eye condition where cyst-like formations develop in the retina, leading to vision loss. It primarily affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
What Causes Cystoid Macular Degeneration?
This condition is often caused by prolonged exposure to inflammation or leakage from retinal blood vessels. It can occur due to aging, diabetes, or as a side effect of eye surgery or treatments.
What are the Symptoms of Cystoid Macular Degeneration?
Common symptoms include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, and noticing colors appear duller than normal. In some cases, you might notice dark or empty areas in your vision.
How is Cystoid Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
An eye doctor can diagnose this condition through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include imaging tests like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Fluorescein Angiography to examine the retina in detail.
What Treatment Options are Available for Cystoid Macular Degeneration?
Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, or injections to reduce swelling and prevent further damage. In some cases, laser therapy may be used.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help Manage Cystoid Macular Degeneration?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular eye check-ups, and controlling underlying conditions like diabetes, can help manage symptoms and slow progression.
Is Cystoid Macular Degeneration Curable?
While there is no complete cure, early detection and treatment can significantly manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Regular monitoring by an eye care professional is essential.
Takeaway
CMD is a feature of some eye diseases in which you develop fluid-filled cysts over your macula, the part of your retina responsible for your central vision. Treatment for CMD depends on the underlying condition causing your symptoms.
Many of the conditions that cause CMD can lead to severe vision loss. It’s important to get medical attention if you notice any sudden changes to your vision, such as blurriness or loss of contrast.
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