DME DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

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1 DME DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA A guide to understanding DME

2 Take some time to learn about DME it may help you hold on to your vision Diabetic macular edema is a common disorder of the retina and a leading cause of blindness in the working-age population Retina Leaky Blood Vessels Macula Macular Edema DME: THE FACTS As its name suggests, diabetic macular edema (DME) is a disease linked to diabetes. Some people with diabetes will develop a form of retinopathy a disorder of the retina in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy can progress and result in DME (also known as retinal swelling), which may affect your vision and is one of the most common causes of blindness. Approximately 347 million people worldwide have diabetes, and this figure is rising 1 Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and has an overall prevalence of approximately 35% in people with diabetes 2 DME is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy and a common cause of blindness in the working-age population. It affects approximately 7% of people with diabetes ( 24 million people worldwide) 2 DME with visual impairment affects approximately 2.8% of people with diabetes (approximately 10 million people worldwide) 3 1

3 All people with diabetes both type 1 and type 2 are at risk of developing DME; your level of risk is related to how long you have had diabetes and how well your blood sugar is controlled Risk factors for developing or worsening type 2 diabetes includes: High cholesterol Being overweight or obese Smoking Not getting enough exercise The following are additional risk factors associated with DME Diabetic retinopathy severity Poor glycemic control High blood pressure Duration of diabetes Age Some of these risk factors cannot be changed, but others can; wherever possible, consider adapting your lifestyle and habits to reduce your risk. If you have diabetes, take steps to control your blood sugar levels and have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor. WHAT IS DME? DME is caused by swelling in the back of your eye talk to your eye doctor about how you can reduce your risk of DME Some people with diabetes will get a form of retinopathy a disorder of the retina in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy can progress and result in DME (also known as retinal swelling), which may affect your vision and is one of the most common causes of blindness. DME accurs when fluid leaks into the center of the retina at the back of your eye (called the macula), causing it to swell. This swelling blurs your vision and affects your ability to read and see details clearly. DME occurs in both eyes in approximately 70% of people with the condition, although vision may not always be affected in both. If you already have DME in one eye, talk to your eye doctor about how you can reduce the risk of DME occurring in your other eye. 2

4 Vision loss due to DME can make certain activities - such as reading and driving - more difficult, significantly affecting your quality of life WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DME? Blurred vision Loss of contrast sensitivity With DME, you may not notice any change in your vision at first. Over time however, your eyesight will get worse and you may experience some loss of vision. That s why it s important to get your eyes checked regularly. Untreated DME can be severe and lead to permanent loss vision, with vision dropping to legal blindness or lower. Early detection and treatment can help slow down the progression of vision loss. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure you have eye examinations every six months to check for signs of retinopathy. DME is diagnosed after a complete eye examination, so it is important to make sure you get regular check-ups HOW IS DME TREATED? Treatment of DME is a process involving you and your eye doctor working together These treatments cannot cure DME but may slow down the progression of vision loss. DME is a chronic condition and monitoring your vision and diabetes is essential. It is important for you to get regular check-ups on your eyes, keep your blood sugar under control, and make lifestyle changes that can reduce the risks of vision loss. 3

5 Treatment options Anti-VEGF therapy Anti-VEGF stands for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. VEGF is thought to be a trigger for abnormal leaking of the blood vessels in the macula, which leads to edema. Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into your eye to help prevent this from happening. Laser photocoagulation With this treatment, your doctor will aim a high-energy laser beam at the areas where leaky blood vessels could affect central vision if not treated. This slows Injectable, slow-release corticosteroid An injectable implant placed in to the back of the eye that is designed to release a corticosteroid drug for up to 6 months.this treatment works mainly by helping to reduce the inflammation associated with DME. IT S YOUR VISION - HOLD ON TO IT Your vision is precious, so do whatever is within your control to help you hold on to it. There are specific things you can do that may help to delay vision loss. Proactively monitor your vision Visit your eye doctor regularly do not miss any scheduled appointments. If you notice a change in your vision, contact your eye doctor immediately Be proactive about vision rehabilitation and the use of 4

6 Take control of your diabetes Take your diabetes medications as directed by your doctor Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. Keeping your levels under control is the single most important way to manage your diabetes Keep high blood pressure under control Maintain a healthy body weight and manage your diet. Your doctor can tell you what you should and shouldn t eat, as well as when you should eat If you smoke, speak with your doctor about a cessation program and work towards quitting as soon as you can Exercise regularly to help avoid high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. Your vision is precious, so do whatever is within your control to hold on to it. There are specific things you can do that may help to delay vision loss Ask for help if you need it. Your loved ones, family, friends, and even others with DME are there to help you References: Global Prevalence and Major Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetes Care 35: ,

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