Diabetic Macular Edema

What is diabetic macular edema?

Diabetic macular edema occurs when fluid from leaking blood vessels accumulates in your macula, the part of your retina that provides your detailed vision.

Diabetic macular edema occurs after diabetic retinopathy, when the blood vessels in your eye become damaged and leak fluids due to chronic elevated blood sugars.

Regular eye care is an important part of managing your diabetes. You can incur eye damage without showing any signs or symptoms. If not monitored and managed, the damage may lead to severe vision changes, including blindness.

You may be at risk of diabetic macular edema if:

• You’ve had diabetes for a long time
• You also have high blood pressure and elevated blood lipid levels
• You have issues with fluid retention

It’s estimated that 28% of people with diabetes have eye trouble. If you have diabetes, the physicians at Retina Associates of New York can provide the care and management you need to prevent eye damage and severe vision changes.

What are the symptoms of diabetic macular edema?

Symptoms of diabetic macular edema are similar to diabetic retinopathy. With diabetic macular edema, you may experience blurry or distorted vision or develop floaters. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and you have diabetes, call Retina Associates of New York right away for an evaluation. Without treatment, you may be placing yourself at risk of blindness.

How is diabetic macular edema treated?

The physicians at Retina Associates of New York offer advanced treatments for diabetic macular edema. To stop the leaking blood vessels causing the buildup of fluid in your eye, the physicians use laser beams to seal the spots. The experienced physicians also offer an intravitreal injection known as kenalog, which reduces swelling of your retina.

Currently, researchers are investigating the use of oral medication through clinical trials for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Kenalog doesn’t have FDA approval for injection within the eye; its use to treat your diabetic macular edema is considered investigative or experimental.

For management of your special eye care needs, call Retina Associates of New York today or book an appointment online.