Understanding Excess Eye Fluid: Causes and Treatments -

Excess fluid inside the eye can lead to sight-threatening eye diseases— making early diagnosis absolutely vital.

The eye is primarily composed of collagen, water, and protein. Occasionally, an excess of fluid may build up within the eye, heightening the risk of severe eye conditions.

An accumulation of fluid in the eye can lead to critical issues such as glaucoma and macular edema.

Why is there fluid inside the eye?

Inside the eye, there are two distinct types of fluid:

Retinal Blood Vessels: These are delicate blood vessels that provide vital oxygen and nutrients to the nerves at the back of the eye. These nerves are responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain.
Aqueous Humor: This clear, watery fluid occupies the front section of the eye, filling the space between the cornea and the eye’s middle structures. It supplies the cornea with fresh oxygen and assists in waste removal by draining through veins at the back of the eye.

An excess of either fluid type can result in severe eye conditions that threaten vision, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention.

Which conditions are caused by excess fluid?

A range of eye conditions can be caused by excess fluid inside the eye, including:

Wet macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Macular edema
Diabetic macular edema
Central serous retinopathy

Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is triggered by a rapid buildup of fluid in the macula, typically due to the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. These irregular vessels can leak blood and fluid into the retina and macula, leading to damage and a loss of central vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma develops when the aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye, accumulates due to a blockage in the eye’s internal drainage system.

This buildup of fluid increases the internal eye pressure. If this high pressure persists, it can exert continuous pressure on the optic nerve, leading to irreversible damage and loss of vision.

To safeguard your eye health and maintain your vision, it’s advisable to schedule an eye exam with a nearby eye care professional.

Macular edema

Macular edema arises when fluid accumulates in the macula due to leakage from damaged retinal blood vessels. This swelling in the macula, caused by the leakage of plasma or blood, typically leads to blurred or distorted vision in the central visual field.

Diabetic macular edema

Diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetic retinopathy, involves the leakage of fluid or blood into the retina. This condition frequently leads to symptoms such as blurred or double vision and the appearance of black spots in the central visual field.

Central serous retinopathy

Central serous retinopathy develops when fluid accumulates under the retina due to leakage from blood vessels in the choroid, which is located beneath the retina. This condition typically results in symptoms like dimmed, distorted, or blurred vision, and can make straight lines appear crooked or bent. The buildup of fluid behind the retina heightens the risk of retinal detachment and potential vision loss.

How is excess fluid inside the eye treated?

Treating excess fluid in the eye typically involves addressing the root cause of the buildup.

For conditions involving the retina, recommended treatments may include anti-VEGF injections, laser procedures, or surgical interventions to halt the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

In cases of glaucoma, the use of medicated eye drops is commonly prescribed to lower intraocular pressure. Additionally, medications or surgical options might be necessary to enhance fluid drainage.

If you experience any changes in your vision, it’s crucial to consult an eye care professional for an examination.

Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining eye health and vision, allowing your doctor to detect early signs of eye diseases promptly.

Wayne Joesbury

10:38 22 Jun 24

I would absolutely recommend Bains optical care, they are extremely professional, friendly and helpful.Rita is excellent, and a credit to the company.Thank you 😊

Rachel Smith

18:26 01 Jun 24

Absolutely brilliant x the optician is fantastic x makes u feel so relaxed x got on like a house on fire x u are lucky to have him x lots of choice x excellent service

Clive Robotham

17:13 14 May 24

Mom had issues with blood shot eyes was really worried.Staff where absolutely brilliant .Receptionist was wonderful very caring and showed concern for momThe Optician was excellent, gave mom good examination, took time to explain that it was nothing to worry about, explained how it had possibly happened . She felt very reassured.Was told any more concerns to dont hesitate to call them.Cannot praise the care and service enough !Thank you

Kate Freeman

14:20 11 May 24

Lovely customer service

Demi Howard

22:23 26 Apr 24

I have been to this optician’s many times. After moving away I went to a spec savers near my new location because where I was told my eyes were fine but somthing didn’t feel right. I went back to bains only for them to find my eyes had got worse since my last prescription. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Lovely staff and the choice of glasses they offer are great!

L.J H

09:42 09 Apr 24

Absolute outstanding service at Baines Optical. The Optician and the lovely ladies in the store were fantastic. Absolutely no pressure to buy glasses from them and happy to let you browse whilst giving discrete support when required. I brought two very reasonably priced sets of glasses after my eye test. They will be my go to opticians from now. 5 star.

Sarah Bamford

16:59 18 Mar 24

I have been using Bains Optical Healthcare for myself and my children for around 3 years now after having very negative experiences elsewhere and they really are fantastic. My children are so comfortable there and actually look forward to their eye tests. The staff are accommodating, friendly and informative, and trust me when I say they are questioned alot by my youngest son. Thanks so much to the team for making our appointments so smooth and enjoyable for the children.

Abi Crockett

13:05 12 Feb 24

I broke my reading glasses whilst away, took them in To Bains and Cas was very helpful. She tried to fix them but unfortunately the arm was bent so they needed to get sent away to be repaired. Whilst there she also altered my sunglasses. Wonderful friendly service. Definitely recommend. Thanks Michelle

Understanding Excess Eye Fluid: Causes and Treatments

Why is there fluid inside the eye?

Which conditions are caused by excess fluid?

Wet macular degeneration

Glaucoma

Macular edema

Diabetic macular edema

Central serous retinopathy

How is excess fluid inside the eye treated?

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