Diabetic Macular Edema Progression
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preventblindness.org/diabetic-macular-edema-dme/Diabetic eye disease. (2017).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-eye-diseaseIDF clinical practice recommendations for managing DME. (2019).
idf.org/e-library/guidelines/161-dme-clinical-practice-recommendations.htmlLin K-Y, et al. (2021). Update in the epidemiology, risk factors, screening, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8354492/Macular edema. (2022).
nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/macular-edemaRen F, et al. (2018). Diabetic macular edema grading in retinal images using vector quantization and semi-supervised learning.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6004946/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 30, 2022 By Carly Werner Edited By Britt Gambino Medically Reviewed By William C Lloyd III, MD, FACS Copy Edited By Stassi Myer - CE Share this articleMedically reviewed by William C Lloyd III, MD, FACS — By Carly Werner, RD on September 30, 2022
The Progression of Diabetic Macular Edema
Medically reviewed by William C Lloyd III, MD, FACS — By Carly Werner, RD on September 30, 2022Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a possible complication of diabetes. It happens when the tiny blood vessels in the eye get damaged from high blood sugar levels over time. Damage to the delicate cells lining these blood vessels makes them weaker, leading to progressive leakage of fluid, protein, and lipids. This fluid can build up and cause the center part of the retina called the macula to swell. The macula allows you to focus on things, especially in the central part of your vision. As the macula continues to swell and thicken, eyesight is affected. In some cases, it leads to blindness. In the early stages of DME, there may be no symptoms or changes in your vision. Annual eye exams are important for early detection. An eye doctor can see changes in your eyes before your vision is affected. There are treatments available to slow the progression of DME. It's wise to talk with your eye doctor if you notice any changes in your vision. Here are some of the changes that may happen with your eyes and with your vision as DME progresses.Share on Pinterest Last medically reviewed on September 30, 2022How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Diabetes-related macular edema. (n.d.).preventblindness.org/diabetic-macular-edema-dme/Diabetic eye disease. (2017).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-eye-diseaseIDF clinical practice recommendations for managing DME. (2019).
idf.org/e-library/guidelines/161-dme-clinical-practice-recommendations.htmlLin K-Y, et al. (2021). Update in the epidemiology, risk factors, screening, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8354492/Macular edema. (2022).
nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/macular-edemaRen F, et al. (2018). Diabetic macular edema grading in retinal images using vector quantization and semi-supervised learning.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6004946/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 30, 2022 By Carly Werner Edited By Britt Gambino Medically Reviewed By William C Lloyd III, MD, FACS Copy Edited By Stassi Myer - CE Share this articleMedically reviewed by William C Lloyd III, MD, FACS — By Carly Werner, RD on September 30, 2022