What is Diabetic Macular Edema?

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is an eye complication related to diabetes, primarily affecting the macula region of the eye. The macula is the central area of the retina responsible for central vision and fine vision, such as reading and facial recognition. In DME, due to vascular damage caused by diabetes, excess fluid accumulates in the macular region, distorting vision and leading to vision loss.

The contributing factors include: · Breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, leading to increased vascular permeability and leakage of blood components. · Changes in hemodynamics, such as increased hydrostatic pressure in capillaries and veins, causing fluid to seep from vessels into tissues, resulting in edema.

DME is divided into two types: · Focal DME: Due to irregular eye vessels, small amounts of fluid leakage occur. · Diffuse DME: Due to swelling of the retinal capillaries, leakage and swelling occur throughout the macula area, severely affecting vision in these patients.

Risk factors for diabetic macular edema include long-term uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, hypoalbuminemia, and kidney disease.

The treatment of DME aims to maintain the patient's vision and prevent future vision loss. Treatment methods may include: · Laser treatment: Using microlasers to target and seal leaking blood vessels, preventing fluid from entering the macula. · Injected medications: Including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections and corticosteroid injections, with the specific drugs and treatment regimen determined by the ophthalmologist. · Blood sugar control: Maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal range is an important measure for preventing and treating DME.

Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and treatment of DME, especially for diabetic patients.