How is diabetic macular edema treated?
There is no cure for diabetic macular edema, but treatment can help slow progression of the condition and prevent blindness. People with diabetes should get a dilated eye exam every year to check for vision complications, according to the CDC.
What causes diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar due to diabetes. Over time, having too much sugar in your blood can damage your retina — the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain through a nerve in the back of your eye (optic nerve). Diabetes damages blood vessels all over the body.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetic macular edema?
Here are the common signs and symptoms of diabetic macular edema:
- Blurry or blocked central vision.
- Distorted or “wavy” central vision (called metamorphopsia if you want to impress your friends)
- Seeing floaters or strings of floaters in your vision.
- Blind or dark areas or spots in your field of vision.
Is diabetic macular edema permanent?
Visual impairment occurs when edema affects the central retina or macula (diabetic macular edema, or DME). Macular edema is reversible in the early stages but chronic edema may lead to irreversible changes in the retina.
Can you reverse retinopathy?
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed? No, but it doesn’t have to lead to blindness, either. If you catch it early enough, you can prevent it from taking your vision. That’s why it’s vital to have regular visits with an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist who’s familiar with diabetes and retina treatment.
How does diabetic macular edema ( DME ) affect your vision?
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes caused by fluid accumulation in the macula, or central portion of the eye, that causes the macula to swell. The macula is filled with cells that are responsible for sharp, straight ahead vision that helps with reading and driving.
What happens to your eyesight if you have diabetes?
Eye damage (retinopathy). Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy), potentially leading to blindness. Diabetes also increases the risk of other serious vision conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
12 Unusual Symptoms of Diabetes. 1 1. Darker skin on the neck. One possible warning sign of diabetes is the development of dark patches on your skin, particularly around your neck. 2 2. Recurrent infections. 3 3. Vision changes. 4 4. Lightheadedness. 5 5. Sexual dysfunction.
When to see an eye doctor for DME?
That’s why it is so important to visit your eye doctor regularly. Essentially, anyone with diabetes (especially uncontrolled diabetes) is at risk for DME. Here are the common signs and symptoms of diabetic macular edema: Distorted or “wavy” central vision (called metamorphopsia if you want to impress your friends)