Optical coherence tomography confirmed resolution of macular edema in a diabetic patient after hemodialysis

The authors report the first case, to their knowledge, of resolution of diffuse macular edema after hemodialysis, which has been confirmed by optical coherence tomography.

A 53-year-old white woman with type 2 diabetes developed worsening macular edema and was examined in the ophthalmology clinic and scheduled for macular grid laser photocoagulation. The laser, however, was deferred for 4 weeks because she had also developed end-stage renal failure and required hemodialysis.

When she was reviewed in the ophthalmology clinic 4 weeks later for laser therapy, it was found that her macular edema had resolved, vision had improved, and laser was unnecessary. Review at 6 months showed that the macular edema remains resolved.

Ophthalmologists should be aware that hemodialysis may reduce macular edema in such patients.