Diabetes is the primary cause of new blindness in the United States, and diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major contributor to this vision loss. DME may impact up to 10% of diabetic patients. DME is a diabetic condition caused by the accumulation of fluid in the macula, which can impair the fovea. The macula is the central part of the retina in the rear of the eye, where the finest eyesight is located. Vision loss caused by DME can worsen over months, making it impossible to concentrate.
What leads to DME?
DME is an eye ailment that can arise in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Over time, persistently high blood sugar due to inadequate glucose regulation can damage small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that affects retinal blood vessels, resulting in impaired vision. If left untreated, fluid can leak into the fovea, the central portion of the macula, where crisp, straight-ahead vision occurs. The fluid causes macula enlargement, obscuring vision. This disorder is known as DME. It can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, but its incidence increases as the disease advance.
What are the Manifestations of DME?
Diabetic individuals are susceptible to getting DME over time. A diabetic’s vision should be examined annually or as prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Vision alterations caused by DME include:
- Impaired vision
- Double vision
- Increased eye floaters suddenly
What Increases DME Risk?
- A higher risk of DME is related to:
- Poor glycemic control for an extended period
- Increased duration of diabetes – The lifetime risk of having DME for people with diabetes is approximately 10%.
- Type of diabetes – After 20 years of living with diabetes, nearly all people with type 1 and 60% of those with type 2 will acquire diabetic retinopathy. In the early stages, vision is typically unaffected.
- Highly elevated blood pressure
- Fluid retention
- Renal disease
- High quantities of fat in the blood (hyperlipidemia)
- Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy are at risk for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME).
How to Avoid DME
Maintaining healthy glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol helps avoid DME.
Receiving a thorough dilated eye exam at least once a year, or more frequently, as advised by the eye doctor.
Pregnant women with diabetes should undergo a full dilated eye exam as soon as possible. During pregnancy, the eye doctor may recommend extra exams.
I am keeping a healthy lifestyle, engaging in frequent exercise, and consuming a portion of healthy food. Consult a physician before beginning an the exercise system.
How is DME Cared for?
As with all consequences of diabetes, macular edema can only be effectively managed if diabetes itself is well-controlled. Each of these treatments has its advantages and disadvantages. Consultation and conversation with the ophthalmologist are required to find the optimal treatment for an individual.
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) pharmaceuticals and bispecific monoclonal antibody pharmaceuticals are now in clinical trials.
These medications inhibit the formation of new blood vessels and reduce the leaking of aberrant blood vessels in the eye. They are supplied through injection into the eye by an ophthalmologist, typically a retinal specialist. Although some pressure will be felt during the injection, the eye is anesthetized beforehand to decrease pain. This treatment requires multiple injections over time (the frequency varies based on the medicine chosen and the eye doctor’s discretion).
Focal Laser
Laser light is used to shut and destroy blood vessels that are leaking. This type of laser therapy is often painless. The therapy may leave a person with persistent blind spots. However, it also helps to limit or block the development of new blood vessels, which could cause further eyesight impairment. It helps preserve remaining vision and may marginally improve vision.
Corticosteroid
This treatment consists of an intraocular steroid injection or an injectable steroid eye implant that gradually releases the medicine to reduce DME and enhance vision.
Existing with Poor Eyesight
If you or a loved one has suffered vision loss due to DME, low vision aids can help you maintain your independence. Vision rehabilitation is a form of training that can equip someone with low vision skills to live independently. A specialist in poor vision will assist you in determining the optimal combination of assistance for your needs. Discuss the option of seeing a low vision specialist with your eye doctor.
Low vision aids consist of:
- Magnification glasses, displays, and stands
- Telescopic lenses
- Magnificent reading lamps
- newspapers, magazines, and books in large print
- Closed-circuit televisions that enlarge a printed page.
- Personal computers and tablet computers
What is the meaning of durable medical equipment (DME)?
Durable medical equipment (DME) is intended for more than one usage, typically for months or even years of use. For instance, crutches and oxygen tanks are examples of durable medical equipment. Numerous health insurance policies cover durable medical equipment, eliminating paying for it out of pocket.
TIB Pharmacy Explains Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Durable medical equipment is one of the numerous items that an injured or unwell individual may require from the health care system to cope with an injury or disease. This is in addition to medications, supplements, procedures, and other treatments. Access to durable medical equipment can often mean the difference between life and death, or at the very least, between severe suffering and relative comfort. Due to its significance, durable medical equipment is frequently included in health care plans.
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