Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema

What it is

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina. This is diabetic retinopathy. Vessels can leak, close off, or grow abnormally. When fluid collects in the macula, the area used for detailed central vision, it is called diabetic macular edema, or DME. ¹ · ²

What you may notice first

Early disease often causes no symptoms. Later, you may notice blurred or fluctuating vision, difficulty reading, washed-out colors, or new dark spots and cobweb-like floaters. DME may make straight lines look wavy. Clear vision does not rule out diabetic eye damage. ¹ · ²

How it is diagnosed

A dilated retinal examination looks for leaking vessels, bleeding, and abnormal vessel growth. OCT images help measure macular swelling. Retinal photographs and, in some cases, dye imaging provide additional information. People with diabetes generally need at least yearly dilated examinations, with a personalized schedule when disease is present or circumstances change. ¹ · ²

Usual treatment options

Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol supports eye health. Mild disease may be monitored closely. Anti-VEGF injections can treat retinal leakage and certain abnormal blood vessels; selected cases may need steroid treatment, laser, or retinal surgery. Treatment and visit frequency depend on what the examination shows. Keeping follow-up appointments matters even when vision seems stable. ¹ · ²

Beatific Vision provides medical retina evaluation and anti-VEGF treatment. Some advanced problems may require a retinal surgical specialist.

When to seek urgent care

Sudden vision loss, a burst of new floaters, flashes, or a shadow across your vision needs immediate evaluation. Do not assume it will clear on its own. ¹ · ³

Questions to ask

• Is there retinal damage or swelling even if my vision seems good?
• How often do I need examinations or treatment, and which changes should I report immediately?