Retina · Diabetic ophthalmology
Diabetic macular oedema is an accumulation of fluid at the centre of the retina in the diabetic patient. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss related to diabetes, and it responds well to effective treatments.
Diabetic macular oedema is an accumulation of fluid at the centre of the retina, in the macula, in the diabetic patient. It occurs when vessels weakened by diabetes allow fluid to leak, which accumulates and thickens the retina, blurring fine vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss related to diabetes.
It can occur at different stages of diabetic retinopathy. The good news: effective treatments now exist, especially when the condition is managed early.
Diabetic macular oedema is a common complication of diabetes, but it is treatable. Regular screening allows it to be detected before any significant loss of vision.
Diabetic macular oedema mainly affects central vision:
It can also be detected before any symptoms during screening, which underlines the importance of regular follow-up.
OCT (optical coherence tomography) is the reference examination: it measures the thickness of the macula and the extent of the oedema precisely, without contact or discomfort, and allows the response to treatment to be monitored. This is where Dr Gattoussi's expertise in retinal imaging is particularly valuable.
Several treatments exist and may be combined. The choice depends on the extent of the oedema, the level of vision and the clinical context, and is discussed during the consultation.
The most commonly proposed first-line treatment: a medication is injected into the eye to reduce the oedema, according to a monitoring protocol reassessed by OCT. See the page on intravitreal injections.
Laser may be used in certain situations, alone or as a complement to injections.
Essential and complementary to ocular treatments: controlling your diabetes and blood pressure, with your doctor, is a key factor in the outcome.
Management combines treatment of the oedema and diabetes control, with close OCT monitoring.
Measurement of the oedema and assessment of the associated retinopathy.
Most often by intravitreal injections.
In conjunction with your GP and diabetologist.
Regular reassessment to adapt the treatment frequency.
Treatments exist and are most effective when started early. Regular follow-up is essential.
A monitoring protocol is put in place and adapted to the progress observed on OCT. The frequency may be higher at first, then reduced over time.
It is essential, but often not sufficient on its own: it is combined with ocular treatments.
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