Diabetic Macular Edema affects retina, can lead to vision loss

Stating that persons suffering from diabetes have 25 times more risk of losing vision compared to the rest of the population, Dr Rajiv Raman Consultant Vitreoretinal services, Sankara Nethralaya, said, “Diabetes is a key risk factor for developing DME, which is a progressive disease of the retina, that can even lead to vision loss.”

Explaining the condition, he said, “DME is an accumulation of fluid in the retina — due to leaking blood vessels. It is developed when one is diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), in which the blood vessel walls become weak, bulge and bleed with deposition of fat and swelling of retina. This is a factor which every person with diabetes is at risk of developing. Its symptoms include blurred or fuzzy vision, straight lines that appear wavy or crooked. Decreased contrast or colour sensitivity, difficulty in seeing from a distance, a small but growing blind spot in the centre of vision.”

Stressing on the importance of timely diagnosis, Dr Arul P, an Obstetrician said, “It can help patients catch up with the disease early and improve quality of life. This can happen only when the patient or caregiver understands the symptoms and seeks expert advice on time. Retinal diseases can be managed effectively with quality care treatment.”

As bi-annual check-ups are essential, Dr Rajiv said, “Patients suffering with diabetes should visit the Ophthalmologist every six months and not miss scheduled appointments. They should be alert and aware of the DME symptoms like blurred or fuzzy vision, straight lines that appear wavy or crooked, colour sensitivity, blind spots in central vision and the like, besides visiting the specialist immediately if they experience any change in vision. It is important to adhere to the treatment protocol as advised by your doctor and regularly monitor your sugar levels to effectively manage diabetes.”

While there are many diabetics who continue to smoke, doctors say that it is important to consult a doctor about a cessation program and work towards quitting. “You will have to maintain a healthy body weight and maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to avoid high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol,” said Dr Arul.

Stressing on the fact that prevention is better than cure, he said, “We always wait until we are affected by something before we take any action. Diabetes is a condition in which one would need to constantly monitor the functioning of every organ often to avoid any complications. It is therefore very important to follow through with regularcheck-ups.”