Introduction
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for Cystoid Macular Oedema (CMO). This condition occurs when fluid accumulates in cyst-like spaces within the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. Left untreated, CMO can significantly impact your central vision, but with timely care, many patients experience substantial improvement.
What Causes CMO?
CMO can result from a range of underlying conditions, including:
- Post-surgical inflammation: Most commonly after cataract surgery (Irvine–Gass syndrome).
- Retinal vein occlusion: Blockage of blood flow in the retinal veins.
- Diabetic retinopathy: Caused by prolonged, poorly controlled diabetes leading to retinal damage.
- Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as prostaglandin analogues, may trigger or worsen macular swelling.
Recognising Symptoms
Recognising Symptoms
Key symptoms of CMO include:
- Blurry or distorted central vision.
- Reduced ability to perceive colours vividly.
- Sensitivity to bright lights.
- A dark spot or shadow in the centre of your vision.
In some cases, especially in the early stages, CMO may not cause noticeable symptoms. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and management.
How is CMO Diagnosed?
At The Retina Clinic London, we use the latest technologies to confirm a CMO diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition. Our diagnostic process includes:
- Dilated Eye Examination: To detect swelling or cysts in the retina.
- High-Resolution Macula OCT: A highly detailed scan of the retina that allows us to identify fluid accumulation in the macula and measure the severity of swelling.
- Ultrawidefield Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): A dye-based test to identify and monitor leaking retinal blood vessels.
- Ultrawidefield OCT Angiography (OCTA): A non-invasive imaging technique to detect abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina.
We also use artificial intelligence (AI) to objectively monitor whether fluid in the retina is responding to treatment over time. This advanced approach ensures precise decision-making and improved outcomes.
Treatment Options
At The Retina Clinic London, our treatments are tailored to the underlying cause of your CMO and its severity. Options include:
- Eye Drops: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids or NSAIDs, are often used in milder cases.
- Intravitreal Injections: Anti-VEGF agents or corticosteroids are injected directly into the eye to reduce swelling and address abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Laser Therapy: Targeted laser treatment to seal leaking blood vessels (recommended in specific cases, such as retinal vein occlusion).
- Vitrectomy Surgery: For severe or chronic cases, removing the vitreous gel may help relieve macular swelling and improve outcomes.
Each treatment plan is designed with your unique needs in mind, and we aim to provide the most effective care with minimal disruption to your daily life.
What to Expect with Treatment
With timely and appropriate care, many patients experience significant improvement in vision within weeks to months. However, the degree of recovery depends on factors such as:
- The underlying cause of CMO.
- The severity and duration of the condition before treatment.
Our personalised approach ensures that your treatment is closely monitored to optimise outcomes.
Aftercare and Monitoring
Ongoing monitoring is essential for managing CMO and preventing recurrence. At The Retina Clinic London, your aftercare will include:
- Regular High-Resolution Macula OCT Scans: To evaluate the response to treatment and ensure fluid is reducing as expected.
- Ultrawidefield FFA and OCTA: To monitor for any ongoing leakage or abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Adjustments to Treatment: Based on your progress, we may recommend changes to your medication or therapy.
- Management of Underlying Conditions: If diabetes or high blood pressure contributed to your CMO, we will work with you to address these factors effectively.
Why Choose The Retina Clinic London?
At The Retina Clinic London, we offer world-class care for CMO and other retinal conditions, ensuring that your treatment is tailored to achieve the best possible outcomes. Here’s why patients choose us:
- Advanced Diagnostics: We use cutting-edge tools, including high-resolution macula OCT, ultrawidefield FFA, and ultrawidefield OCTA, to provide a comprehensive assessment of your condition.
- Artificial Intelligence Monitoring: Our AI tools allow us to objectively track fluid reduction, ensuring precise adjustments to your treatment plan.
- Emergency Care and Fast Response Times: We provide prompt appointments to catch and treat symptoms early, minimising the risk of complications.
- Onsite Surgical Theatre: For cases requiring vitrectomy, all procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art theatre, ensuring precision and safety.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: We create bespoke care plans, tailoring treatments to your individual needs, goals, and underlying conditions.
- Specialist Expertise: Led by Professor Paulo Stanga, a world-renowned retinal specialist, our team has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing even the most complex cases of CMO.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: We provide ongoing support and follow-up, ensuring that your recovery is carefully monitored and managed.
If you are experiencing symptoms of CMO or have been diagnosed and need expert care, contact The Retina Clinic London today to schedule your consultation.