DME is an eye condition which can occur in people living with diabetes – both type 1 and type 2. Consistently high blood sugar due to poor glucose control over time can damage small blood vessels in the body, including the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that damages the blood vessels in the retina, resulting in vision impairment. Left untreated, fluid can leak into the center of the macula, called the fovea, the part of the eye where sharp, straight-ahead vision occurs. The fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision. This condition is called DME. It can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, although it is more likely to occur as the disease progresses. Show What Are the Symptoms of DME?People who have diabetes are at risk of developing DME over time. A person with diabetes should have their vision checked yearly, or as directed by their eye doctor. Vision changes due to DME are:
What Increases Risk for DME?Increased risk of DME is associated with:
How to Prevent DME
How is DME Treated?As with all complications of diabetes, successful management of macular edema requires good control of the diabetes itself. Each of these treatments has their own benefits and risks. Consultation and discussion with the eye doctor is needed to determine the best treatment for an individual’s situation. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs and bispecific monoclonal antibody drugs These drugs block the development of new blood vessels and limit the leakage from the abnormal blood vessels in the eye. They are delivered through an injection into the eye, administered by an ophthalmologist, usually a retinal specialist. While some pressure will be felt during the injection, the eye is first numbed to minimize any discomfort. Several injections over time are needed in this treatment (frequency of injections varied based on the drug selected and the eye doctor’s judgment). Focal Laser Laser light is used to close and destroy leaking blood vessels. This form of laser therapy does not typically cause pain. The treatment may leave permanent blind spots in a person’s vision. But it also helps to slow or stop the growth of new blood vessels that could damage vision even more. It helps protect the vision that remains and may slightly improve vision. Corticosteroids This treatment involves an injection of steroids into the eye or an injectable steroid eye implant to release the drug over time to decrease DME and improve vision. Living with Low VisionIf you or someone you know has lost some sight to DME, low vision aids can help you stay independent. Special training, called vision rehabilitation, can provide skills for living with low vision. A low vision specialist will help determine the right combination of aids for your needs. Ask your eye doctor about the possibility of seeing a low vision specialist. Low vision aids include:
Living Well with Low Vision is an online resource to educate those with loss of vision on how maintain their independence and quality of life. Learn More at lowvision.preventblindness.org. Why do we need DME?DME is any medical device or supplies that are necessary for a person's health, which can be used for a long-term basis. In general, seniors that have serious illnesses or mobility challenges need durable medical equipment more than other age groups.
What is DME in pharmacology?ADME is the four-letter acronym for absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion that has described pharmacokinetics for 50 years.
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