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Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a serious eye condition that affects people living with diabetes. It is a complication of diabetic retinopathy, a common diabetes-related eye disease. Around 750,000 Americans live with DME, and it is becoming more and more prevalent around the world. DME happens when fluid leaks from damaged blood vessels in the retina. This causes swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As a leading cause of blindness and loss of sight worldwide, understanding the symptoms of DME is the best way to catch and treat it early! Here, PatientsLikeMe will explain the signs and symptoms of DME, its connection to diabetic retinopathy, and what you can do if you suspect you may have this condition.
Eye Conditions and Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
DME stems from diabetic retinopathy, which itself is a complication of having diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the retina. Eventually this damage can lead to vision problems and even blindness if not treated. Diabetic retinopathy progresses through two main stages.
- Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): In this early stage, the blood vessels in the retina weaken and may leak fluid or blood, sometimes leading to swelling in the macula.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): In advanced stages, new, abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. These fragile vessels can break easily, which causes serious bleeding and scarring. It may even lead to retinal detachment.
DME can develop at any stage of diabetic retinopathy but is more common as the disease progresses.
Diabetic Macular Edema
DME happens when the damaged blood vessels in the retina leak fluid into the macula, causing it to swell. The macula is essential for central vision. This is the type of vision you need to read, recognize faces, and see fine details. Swelling in this area leads to blurred vision and other symptoms that can interfere with daily life.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of DME can vary depending on the severity of the swelling and the part of the macula affected. They include:
- Blurry vision: Objects may appear fuzzy or out of focus.
- Double or wavy vision: Straight lines may look distorted, making it harder to read or drive.
- Floaters: Small dark spots or strings may float across your field of vision.
- Blind spots: Dark or empty areas may appear in your central vision.
- Dull colors: Colors may seem less vibrant or washed out.
- Difficulty recognizing faces: Fine details, such as facial features, may become hard to see.
- Partial or complete vision loss: In severe cases, DME can lead to significant vision impairment.
It’s also possible to have advanced DME without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes.
How is DME Diagnosed?
If you have any of the symptoms listed above or have diabetes, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Eye doctors use a few different tests to look for and diagnose DME. To start, they will do a visual acuity test. This is done to measure how well you can see letters or objects at a distance. A dilated eye exam can allow the doctor to examine your retina and macula for signs of damage or swelling. Finally imaging tests, like optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography, can give detailed images of the retina and blood vessels.
Risk Factors for DME
Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk for DME but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These factors include:
- Poor blood sugar control
- Long duration of diabetes
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy
- Pregnancy in women with diabetes
DME is a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults in developed countries. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, however! Regular eye exams are a key part of catching diabetic retinopathy and DME before they cause severe damage. Managing your diabetes through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication can also lower your risk of developing these conditions.
Diabetic macular edema is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. By recognizing the symptoms of DME and understanding its connection to diabetic retinopathy, you can take proactive steps to protect your eyesight. Regular eye exams and good diabetes management are key to maintaining healthy vision. If you suspect you have symptoms of DME, talk to an eye care professional right away for an evaluation.
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