In order to understand diabetic macular edema treatment, it is necessary to understand the cause and condition of diabetic macular edema. This condition is extremely serious and can cause permanent blindness.
Diabetic macular edema is caused by untreated or poorly treated hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Untreated diabetes causes complications to the entire body including the eyes. In the case of diabetic macular edema, proteins and fluid fill up behind the macula (the center area of the retina). This causes swelling behind the eyeball. Swelling in this area can be seriously damaging, because that is where the cones of the eye are. These cones give us the ability to see details, color, and form.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, and you are noticing any changes in your vision, contact your physician and eye doctor immediately. If diabetic related eye conditions go untreated, it can quickly lead to blindness and other complications, even death.
According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic macular edema treatment almost always requires laser surgery called focal laser treatment. This procedure allows the physician to make hundreds of small burns around the macula, which helps the macula to drain and heal. Most of the time, one treatment is all that is necessary. It is important to understand the risk factors and symptoms, to protect yourself from diabetic macular edema.
Diabetic Macular Edema Prevalence
Diabetic macular edema can occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This condition is not prejudice. People who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels are at higher risk of suffering from this complication.
Diabetic macular edema is more likely to occur in people with multiple complications such as high blood pressure, obesity, circulation issues, and other diabetic related complications.
Prevention is the best way to treat diabetic macular edema. Thus, it is important to recognize any symptoms.
Diabetic Macular Edema Symptoms
If you are having symptoms like blurred vision, difficulty seeing colors, or any other vision changes, contact your doctor immediately. In most cases, there are no painful symptoms of diabetic macular edema. Thus, it is extremely important to pay close attention to vision changes, even minor ones. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to get regular eye exams, at least once per year. Early diagnosis and diabetic macular edema treatment are the best options for keeping your eyes healthy!
