Optical Coherence Tomography Analysis of Macular Edema Across Disease Spectra

Macular edema (ME) is a leading cause of visual impairment associated with various retinal pathologies. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) provides high-resolution imaging, allowing detailed assessment of ME patterns and structural changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution and characteristics of ME across different etiologies using SD-OCT. This cross-sectional observational study included patients with ME from diverse etiologies. SD-OCT was used to assess central macular thickness, retinal volume, cystoid spaces (CS), epiretinal membrane (ERM), hyperreflective foci, and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL). A total of 54% of the study participants were female, with a mean age of 57 years. Diabetes mellitus (50.4%) was the most common etiology, followed by retinal vein occlusions, age-related macular degeneration, ERM, and inflammatory causes. CS were observed in 49.6% of cases, and DRIL in 48%. Severe visual impairment was more frequent in diabetic and vaso-occlusive cases. SD-OCT effectively identifies structural patterns in ME across etiologies, assisting in diagnosis and management planning.