Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is seen in some people with diabetes. DME is swelling or thickening of the retina due to leaky blood vessels within the macula. When swelling occurs in the retina, damage such as scarring occurs thus causing loss of vision in the affected eye. Symptoms can include blurry central vision, cob-webs, and black spots, which are usually noticed in the central vision. People with diabetes can help prevent DME from occurring by controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, controlling their lipids and triglycerides, and to schedule a diabetic eye examination at least once a year or otherwise suggested by a family physician or ophthalmologist. There is treatment for controlling DME, in which the ophthalmologist will choose and recommend the best treatment.

Factors contributing to DME

Poor control over blood sugar

Poor control over blood pressure

Renal disease

Elevated lipids and triglycerides