DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

A person with diabetes has a lot to consider. Having high blood sugar levels may lead to other complications like vision loss, problems in the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Diabetic macular edema is a serious condition that may result in vision loss. Once the blood vessels in your eyes weaken because of high blood sugar, fluid goes into your retina. It makes your retina swell which affects the function of the macula- a sensitive part which gives you sharp vision. However, managing and getting the proper treatments may help protect your sight.

Symptoms may always go unnoticed, but it is still important to get your eyes checked every year. If problems persist, you must see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Consulting your physician right away may help you prevent long-term damage to your eyesight.

SYMPTOMS

Diabetic macular edema does not normally have symptoms. However, you may experience the following:

  • Blurry vision in the center of your field vision
  • Seeing washed out or faded colors

If you experience the following symptoms above, you must immediately see your doctor.

DIAGNOSIS

Several examinations may be requested by your physician. However, before any testing, your physician may ask you the following questions:

  • What kind of changes have you noticed in your vision?
  • Do you have diabetes? If so, when?
  • Does someone in your family have the same condition?
  • How high are your A1C test and blood sugar levels lately?
  • Are you suffering from high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
  • What other medical conditions do you have?

After asking several questions, your physician may require you to undergo a thorough eye examination, which includes the following:

  • Visual acuity test.This type of test aims to know how well you can see at different distances.
  • Dilated eye exam.Drops will be used by your physician to widen your pupils and examine the inside of your eyes. This examination aims to determine any signs of the disease, including damaged blood vessels, swelling, and fatty deposits on the retina.

Once your doctor thinks that you have diabetic macular edema, the following tests may also be performed:

  • Fluorescein angiogram (FA).It uses a special dye that is injected into your arm to take pictures of your retina to help find any damaged blood vessels.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT).To take pictures of your retina, your doctor uses a special camera. It can find even the small amounts of fluid and any swelling in your eye’s blood vessels.

TREATMENT

Macular edema may be treated depending on its cause. The following treatments may include:

  • Medications using eye-drops
  • Laser treatments
  • Steroid medications if your macular edema is due to inflammation
  • Medication injections using anti-VEGF drugs
  • Steroid treatment

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