CSME in the eye stands for Clinically Significant Macular Edema.
It's defined by specific characteristics of swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The criteria for CSME, according to the reference provided, include:
- Thickening of the retina at or within 500 μm of the center of the macula.
- Hard exudates at or within 500 μm of the center of the macula, if associated with thickening of the adjacent retina. These hard exudates are not residual from a previous condition.
In simpler terms, CSME signifies that the swelling in the macula is considered severe enough to potentially threaten or impair vision, necessitating treatment. The proximity of the swelling and/or hard exudates to the center of the macula (500 μm) is a key factor in determining its clinical significance.
