Is Diamox The Right Medicine For Cystoid Macular Edema?

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 11 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am writing about Diamox and cystoid macular edema. I've had everything in both eyes. Scleral buckle, cataract with new lens, and epitretinal peel in the left. The peel helped a lot, vision went from 20/200 to 20/40. But then CME started and vision went down to 20/80. I had two sub-Tenon Kenalog injections that helped a little, and two triesence (?) in the eye injections that helped more. On good days I'm up to 20/30 in left. I really want to try the Diamox and my surgeon is considering it. But one Fellow said it doesn't treat the type of fluid I have. No diabetes or retinal pigmentosa here. (lattice degeneration was the problem). Isn't the Diamox worth a try ?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I concur with the idea and wish you loads of luck

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Diamox (with the active ingredient acetazolamide) is traditionally used to treat conditions like glaucoma and other specific types of deem (e.g. drug induced edema, cardiac edema, etc.).

I understand how there arise numerous questions about its effect in CME, and also partially agree with the individual who said it may not help to clear the type of protein-filled fluid. All this being said, I do not see any harm in trying the drug out (as long as there are no other ailments like kidney,liver, cardiac, lung, hormonal, blood coagulation abnormality, etc.). with close watch on all organ system parameters. If it helps, then it would be a huge help, and if it does not then there was no harm done.

So I concur with your idea of experimenting with the diamox. In my opinion, patients quality of life is a way more important factor than quantity. I hope you find my response helpful and I wish and pray you find relief with this medication. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (28 minutes later)

Thanks for this Reply. I will find out Wednesday if they will allow me to take it. And may ask you another question before then.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It would be my pleasure to help you in any way possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

You are most welcome to write to me anytime sir, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar