Diabetic Macular Edema: When Diabetes Affects Your Central Vision
Do you have diabetes? You are at risk of developing diabetic macular edema (DME). This condition causes fluid to accumulate in the central retina (macula), interfering with your vision. DME affects close to one million Americans, and is one of the leading causes of blindness for patients aged 20-74.
Retina Consultants, P.C. offers advanced retinal care, including diagnosis and treatment for diabetic macular edema. With six board-certified retina specialists, you can trust us to deliver outstanding care for one of your body’s most delicate parts: the eye. Visit any of our five locations today and discover why we are the #1 retina-specific practice in Connecticut.
What is diabetic macular edema (DME)?
DME is swelling in the retina associated with diabetes. DME specifically affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. In DME, damaged blood vessels in the retina leak, allowing blood and fluids to build up (edema) in the macula.
As the macula swells, vision becomes:
- Blurry
- Distorted or wavy lines
- Less detailed
DME can make everyday tasks challenging. Simple activities like reading, distinguishing colors, or recognizing faces become increasingly difficult. Without treatment, DME can lead to permanent vision loss.
How do you treat diabetic macular edema?
Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Options may include:
- Anti-VEGF injections: These are intraocular injections that block proteins that trigger leakage in the retina. These injections stabilize and even reverse some level of vision loss.
- Steroid treatments: Steroid implants such as Ozurdex and Iluvien help manage inflammation and vascular leakage.
- Laser therapy: Lasers help seal leaking blood vessels, which stabilizes vision and halts further vision loss.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for diabetic macular edema. Your retina specialist will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment and recommend the one that best suits your needs. Treatment can be used alone or in combination to preserve and, in many cases, improve your vision.
Can I prevent diabetic macular edema?
The most effective treatment for DME is prevention. This can be achieved by managing diabetes, which keeps your blood sugar under control. Also, managing medical conditions, such as hypertension, kidney disease, and high cholesterol, can slow DME progression. Most importantly, patients with diabetes should consider regular eye exams, even if their vision feels normal. These steps not only prevent DME but also stabilize the visual gains achieved through treatment.
Do you need diabetic macular edema treatment in Connecticut?
The retina is a highly complex structure. Treating conditions like DME requires precision, advanced technology, and deep expertise. That’s why it’s important to see a retina specialist, not just a general eye doctor.
At Retina Consultants, P.C., we deliver advanced retinal care rooted in excellence and patient satisfaction. With over 40 years of serving Central Connecticut, feel free to schedule an appointment with any of our offices.
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
Enfield
As the #1 retina specialist in Connecticut, we focus exclusively on diseases of the retina. That level of specialization matters when your vision is at stake.
