What to Know If You Have Been Diagnosed With Diabetic Macular Edema

A possible complication for people with type 2 diabetes is macular edema, an eye condition that affects vision. If you have been diagnosed with diabetic macular edema (DME), early treatment is crucial to prevent further eye complications. Learning more about this condition can help you feel prepared and confident in managing it.^1,2

What is macular edema?

Macular edema is swelling in the macula. The macula is a small but important part of your eye. It is located at the center of your retina, the layer at the back of the eye that detects light. The macula gives us our detailed, central vision. For example, it helps us see things like words on a page or facial features.^1-3

When the macula swells, you might notice:^1-3

• Blurry vision or double vision
• Colors appearing more dull
• Floaters
• Harder time seeing details

Macular edema can occur in 1 or both eyes. If left untreated, macular edema can lead to vision loss.^2,3

Why does diabetes cause macular edema?

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk for macular edema because prolonged high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina over time (diabetic retinopathy). Over time, these damaged blood vessels can leak fluid, causing the macula to swell and thicken. If diabetes is not well controlled, the risk of macular edema increases.^1-3

Early symptoms of DME can be hard to detect. This can delay diagnosis. So, it is very important to have regular eye checkups, even if you do not have any noticeable symptoms.³

What to expect after a diagnosis

A diagnosis of DME can feel overwhelming. Knowing what changes to expect can help you manage the condition. With DME, you may have the following symptoms:^2,3

• Blurry or wavy vision, especially in the center of your sight
• Difficulty reading, driving, or recognizing faces
• Changes in how you see color (colors may appear more dull and less vibrant)
• A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
• Floaters in the eye

How severe your symptoms are will vary. Some people may only have mild vision issues. Others may have more noticeable changes to their vision.^1,3

After a DME diagnosis, you will need regular eye exams and imaging tests. These tests help your eye doctor see how much fluid is in your macula.^2,3

You also will need to receive treatment to control damage to your macula and prevent DME from getting worse. Controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help protect your eyes and slow down further damage as well.^2,3

Treatment options for diabetes-related macular edema

The good news is that treatments are available to manage diabetes-related macular edema. In some cases, damage to your eye may even be reversed if DME is caught early enough. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment option based on your needs.^2,3

Eye injections

Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are the first-line treatment for DME. The medicine is injected directly into the eye. These injections target a protein that causes new leaky blood vessels in the eye to form. Anti-VEGF injections are considered to be first-line treatment for DME.^2-4

This treatment can reduce swelling, improve your vision, and prevent DME from getting worse. Vision typically improves shortly after treatment. You may need regular treatments to keep DME and its symptoms under control.^2,3

Steroids

Steroids can reduce swelling in the eye. They come in the form of eye injections or eye implants. Implants are placed directly in the eye and slowly release medicine over time. Steroids work differently than anti-VEGF injections but are just as effective.^2-4

Laser therapy

Laser therapy, also called photocoagulation, uses bursts of lasers to seal sites of leaking blood vessels. This procedure also helps to reduce swelling.^2,3

Surgery

In more severe cases, a surgery called a vitrectomy may be needed to remove scar tissue and cloudy, gel-like fluid from the eye.^2,3

Managing diabetes

Controlling your blood sugar is key. It can help slow the progression of DME. Your doctor might also recommend ways to manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.^2,3

Certain diabetes drugs may increase the risk of exacerbating DME, while others may improve DME. Your doctor may change some of your diabetes medicines if you have diabetes with DME.⁴

What you can do about your macular edema

Diabetes-related macular edema is treatable and sometimes reversible if diagnosed early. With regular treatment and eye checkups, the outlook for people with DME is generally very good.²

Here are steps you can take to protect your vision:^2,3

• Keep your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol in a healthy range.
• Do not skip eye exams. Regular check-ups can catch changes early.
• If you smoke, take steps to quit.
• Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise.
• Talk to your doctor about any new symptoms or changes in your vision.