Diabetic macular edema
Diabetic
macular edema (DME) is caused by a complication of diabetes called diabetic
retinopathy. Diabetic
retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and the leading cause
of irreversible blindness, usually affecting both the eyes. Diabetic Macular Edema
(DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula, part of the retina that
controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. If
Left untreated, these blood vessels begin to build up pressure in the eye and
leak fluid, causing DME. Common symptoms of DME are blurry vision, floaters,
double vision, and eventually blindness if it goes untreated. DME usually takes
on two forms:
Focal
DME- which occurs because of abnormalities in the blood vessels in the eye.
Diffuse
DME- which occurs because of widening/swelling retinal capillaries (very
thin blood vessels).
Diabetic macular edema can be prevented by following methods
1. maintaining good blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control.
2. Receiving a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year, or more often as directed by the eye doctor.
3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and having a healthy diet. Talk to a doctor before starting an exercise program.
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