Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes. People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop DME.
DME occurs when excess fluid starts to build up in the macula of the eye. The macula allows us to focus and see fine details. It’s located in the center of the retina, the lining at the back of the eye that’s full of blood vessels.
When excess fluid builds up in the macula, it causes vision problems.
DME generally develops over time. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina. Damaged blood vessels can leak fluid, which causes swelling and other issues. This damage is called retinopathy.
There are several treatment options for DME. It’s easiest to treat when diagnosed early and monitored regularly by an eye care doctor.
DME starts when your blood sugar isn't well controlled. Consistently high blood sugar harms blood vessels throughout your body, like in your heart, as well as the small blood vessels in your retina -- the tissue at the back of your eye that sends images to your brain.
Without healthy blood vessels, your retina can't work the way it's supposed to.
Your body tries to help out by making more of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. In a healthy eye, this is not a problem. But in some conditions, too much of it weakens those blood vessels. In time, they can tear and leak blood and fluid into your retina. Your retina will swell and get thicker, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. The leaking fluid also causes swelling in the macula, the place in the center of the retina that gives you sharp, clear vision.
"Edema" is a medical word for swelling from extra fluid. So DME is a fluid buildup that makes your macula swollen because of diabetes.
Diabetes is the main cause of macular edema. But it can happen for other reasons, too, including cataract surgery or other operations on your eyes, macular degeneration, swelling in the uvea (the middle part of your eye), and blocked veins in your retina or damage from radiation.
Some medicines for diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis can cause macular edema.
In its early stages, there may be no symptoms. If you have diabetes, it’s important to see an eye care doctor every year so they can examine your eyes for any changes. If there’s any sign of retinopathy or DME, early treatment can prevent or restore vision loss.
Make sure to tell your eye care doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:It’s never too late to discuss treatment options with your doctor. If you’ve received a diagnosis of DME, starting treatment quickly can help prevent long-term eye damage and vision loss.
Taking preventive action can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your vision. Help take care of your eyes by doing the following: