Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the retina and lead to several eye complications. One of these is diabetic macular edema (DME), a condition in which fluid accumulates in or around the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
DME can affect vision gradually or, in some cases, lead to noticeable changes in a relatively short period. Regular eye examinations are therefore important for people with diabetes.
What Causes Diabetic Macular Edema?
Diabetic macular edema can develop as a complication of diabetic retinopathy. Persistently elevated blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. These damaged vessels may become leaky, allowing fluid and other substances to accumulate around the macula.
When the macula becomes swollen, central vision can be affected.
What Are the Symptoms?
Some people with diabetic macular edema may not notice symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, possible symptoms include:
- Blurred central vision
- Difficulty reading
- Distorted or wavy vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Changes in colour perception
- Dark or blurry areas in central vision
Symptoms can affect one or both eyes, and their severity may vary.
Who Is at Risk?
People who have diabetes for a longer period may have a higher risk of developing diabetic eye complications. Other factors, such as poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, can also contribute to the risk of diabetic retinopathy and its complications.
However, diabetic macular edema can occur in people with different types and durations of diabetes, which is why regular retinal screening is important.
How Is Diabetic Macular Edema Diagnosed?
An ophthalmologist may perform a dilated retinal examination to assess the condition of the retina and macula. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is commonly used to obtain detailed images of the retinal layers and identify swelling or fluid around the macula.
Additional retinal imaging may also be recommended depending on the patient's condition.
How Is Diabetic Macular Edema Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall eye health. Depending on the clinical assessment, treatment may include intravitreal injections, laser treatment, or other retinal procedures.
Managing diabetes, blood pressure, and other health factors is also an important part of overall diabetic eye care. Treatment should be determined by a retinal specialist after a proper examination.
Can Diabetic Macular Edema Be Prevented?
There is no absolute way to guarantee prevention, but controlling diabetes and maintaining regular medical and eye check-ups can help reduce the risk of serious diabetic eye complications.
People with diabetes should follow their healthcare provider's recommendations for blood sugar management and undergo retinal examinations at the recommended intervals—even when their vision appears normal.
When Should You See a Retina Specialist?
If you have diabetes and experience blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading, new floaters, or any sudden change in eyesight, an eye examination should not be delayed.
For specialized retina care in Delhi, AK Institute of Ophthalmology (AKIO) provides evaluation and treatment for diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, retinal disorders, and other vitreoretinal conditions.
