According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may develop this eye condition. Diabetic macular edema can result in significant vision problems, mainly if the condition isn’t managed well.
Diabetic macular edema results from diabetic retinopathy. Any person living with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, which results from the buildup of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream.
The buildup of too much sugar can damage and block small blood vessels in the retina. Then, the retina may leak fluid or blood into other portions of the eye, like the macula. Over time, this results in worsening vision and, in some cases, vision loss.
Doctors check for diabetic macular edema during your eye exams. They use eye drops to dilate, or widen, your pupils. This allows your doctor to see the inside structures of your eyes, including the retinas, which helps determine whether any retinal blood vessels are damaged and leaking.
If your doctor suspects a problem, they may recommend further testing to reach a diagnosis. Some tests can help your doctor see the blood vessels in your eyes, and others determine whether you’ve lost any vision.
Managing diabetes is essential to treating diabetic macular edema. Monitoring blood sugar can help prevent blood vessel damage when sugar levels get too high. Eating healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting regular physical activity can help you manage blood sugar.
As part of treatment, doctors often suggest an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent. Usually given as an injection in or close to the eye, anti-VEGF agents may help slow progression of macular edema.
For some people, anti-VEGF agents prevent the severity of diabetic macular edema. Most people experience results within 3 months.
Despite the success of anti-VEGF drugs, some people need more help. Additional treatments include corticosteroids. Steroids generally help improve vision and reduce inflammation within the eye.
Laser treatment is another option for diabetic macular edema. This therapy uses a laser to seal off leaking blood vessels within the eye. In some cases, doctors combine laser treatment with anti-VEGF drugs or steroids to boost the treatment’s likelihood of success.
For a small percentage of people, surgery restores some vision, primarily if you have scarring in your eye or your retina leaks fluid.
During the surgery, known as a vitrectomy, surgeons remove the gel, or vitreous, that fills the eyeball. The vitreous is then replaced with another substance. Sometimes, surgeons also implant a device that makes receiving eye injections easier.
Research continues to find more effective treatments for diabetic macular edema. You can consider enrolling in a clinical trial, which tests new drugs or other therapies.
Many of the current clinical trials for diabetic macular edema test new drugs or implantable devices that may help slow the progression of the disease and preserve eyesight.
Effectively managing diabetes is the best way to prevent diabetic macular edema. However, you do have treatment options if the condition develops. Your doctor can help you determine whether you have diabetic macular edema and will work with you to create a treatment plan.