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Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
If you or a loved one has diabetic macular edema (DME), you may be wondering what treatment options there are out there. This condition is a complication of diabetes that affects vision. Fluid builds in the macula and over time can cause blurred vision, dull colors, trouble reading, and even difficulty recognizing faces. How do doctors manage this condition? Is there a cure? Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DME. However, treatments can slow its progression and improve symptoms. In this article, PatientsLikeMe will explain the treatments that are available, research aimed at finding a cure, and what goes into creating cures for diseases like DME.
What Causes DME?
DME develops as a complication of diabetes and affects about 5.5% of people living with the condition. There are a few factors that increase the risk of getting DME.
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Over time, this damage causes fluid to build up in the macula, leading to vision problems. Early detection is a key part of managing DME effectively.
Current Treatments for DME
While DME cannot be cured, there are some effective treatments that can prevent further vision loss and, in some cases, improve vision.
Anti-VEGF Injections
The first-line treatment for DME is anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Anti-VEGF medications block a protein that encourages the growth of abnormal blood vessels and leakage. A doctor gives these medications through injections into the eye. It might sound intimidating, but these injections are generally well-tolerated and very effective.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy targets areas of damage in the retina. The lasers can seal leaking blood vessels, which stops fluid from building up and stabilizes vision. It is often used when anti-VEGF treatments are not effective or as a complementary therapy.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids lower swelling in the retina and can be delivered via injections or implants. They are another option for patients who do not respond well to anti-VEGF treatments.
Is a Cure for DME Possible?
There is no cure for DME today, but researchers are actively looking at ways to prevent and reverse the condition. One promising area of research focuses on microRNA.
MicroRNA molecules help regulate genes and proteins in the body. Scientists are studying whether certain microRNAs can shut off the genes responsible for DME. By controlling gene expression, microRNAs might stop or even reverse the damage caused by DME. However, this is still in the early stages, and much more work is needed before it could lead to new treatments or a cure.
How Scientists Develop Medicines
Creating a cure for any disease is a complex, lengthy, and expensive process. On average, it takes over 12 years and billions of dollars to bring a new drug to market. Wondering what the steps are?
1. Understanding the Disease
Scientists start by studying the molecular and cellular processes that cause a disease. For DME, this means understanding how diabetes damages the retina and how fluid builds up in the macula.
2. Finding a Target
Researchers then find a “target” molecule, usually a protein, that plays a key role in the disease. For example, anti-VEGF treatments target the VEGF protein, which promotes abnormal blood vessel growth.
3. Testing Treatments
Thousands of molecules are tested to see how they interact with the target. If a molecule shows promise, it becomes a “lead candidate” and is further optimized in the lab.
4. Preclinical Trials
Before testing on people, scientists study the treatment’s safety and effectiveness in lab models. Only a small percentage of potential treatments make it past this stage.
5. Clinical Trials
Clinical trials test the drug on humans in four phases:
- Phase I: Tests safety and identifies any side effects in a small group of people.
- Phase II: Determines the right dosage, safety and effectiveness in a larger group.
- Phase III: Confirms the drug’s safety and effectiveness in thousands of patients.
- Phase IV: After the FDA approves the drug, researchers continue to track its safety and benefits in the general population.
While there is no cure for diabetic macular edema today, researchers are making advancements! Current therapies, like anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and corticosteroids, help many people manage their symptoms and maintain their vision. Meanwhile, groundbreaking research into microRNA holds promise for the future. By staying proactive about your eye health and diabetes, you can reduce your risk of complications and protect your vision.
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