Major points on Diabetic Macula Edema

Diabetic Macula Edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes that occurs when excess fluids begin to build up in the macula of the eye. The macula allows you to focus and see the fine details. It is found, at the center of the retina, the lining, at the back of the eyes, containing blood vessels. Fluid buildup causes the macula to swell and thicken, which distorts vision.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is blurry or wavy vision near or in the center of your field of vision. Colors may sometimes appear washed or faded. Most times, you will experience a slightly blurry vision to noticeable vision loss. If one eye is affected, you may not realize your vision is blurry until it gets to an advanced stage.
Causes
A common cause is a diabetic retinopathy, a disease that can happen to people with diabetes. It can also occur after eye surgery in association with age-related macular degeneration or as a result of inflammatory diseases that affect the eye. Any complication that damages the blood vessels in the retina can cause macula edema.
What your ophthalmologist or eye doctor does
Your doctor will conduct a thorough eye exam for you and look for abnormalities in the retina. Among the common ones are:
• Visual acuity test: it uses a standardized chart or card with rows of letters that decrease in size from top to bottom.
• Dilated eye exam: it gives additional information about the condition of the macula and helps detect the presence of blood vessel leakage or cysts. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen or dilate your pupils.
Other tests are conducted on the eyes if these two exams indicate that you have macula edema.
The most effective treatment strategies focus on the underlying cause like diabetes or high blood pressure before treating the damage in the retina.
Accent Eyes is your full service, family eye care center. Call us today or go online to make an appointment with our optical specialists.