What is DME in ophthalmology?
Definition. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is manifested as retinal thickening caused by the accumulation of intraretinal fluid, primarily in the inner and outer plexiform layers. It is believed to be a result of hyperpermeability of the retinal vasculature. DME can be present with any level of diabetic retinopathy.
What is DME retina?
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the accumulation of excess fluid in the extracellular space within the retina in the macular area, typically in the inner nuclear, outer plexiform, Henle’s fiber layer, and subretinal space.
Is DME the same as macular degeneration?
While both DME and AMD happen in the macula, the location isn’t exactly the same. DR/DME is more intraretinal (within the retina and the vessels of the retina), whereas AMD involves choroidal neovascularization, the medical term for blood vessels that are typically under the retina that don’t belong there, Dr.
How is DME diagnosed?
Optical coherence tomography (OTC) is one of the best ways to test for DME. It’s like an ultrasound, but it uses light waves instead to create very fine, detailed images of tissues inside your eye. OTC can show the thickness of different layers in your retina and find problems that other tests can’t.
Is DME the same as retinopathy?
DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that affects the macula, which is located at the center of the retina and responsible for central vision.
What causes DME?
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is caused by a complication of diabetes called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and the leading cause of irreversible blindness in working age Americans. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.
Does DME cause blindness?
DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that can lead to vision loss and blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is a common diabetes-related eye disease. It’s estimated to affect about 1 in 3 people with diabetes over the age of 40, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
What does DME look like?
Most people that have diabetic macular edema experience central, blurred vision, which is loss of the detailed vision in the center of the vision, and/or distortion in the vision, meaning that straight lines no longer appear straight. They appear wavy or bent.
What is the best treatment for macular edema?
Corticosteroid (steroid) treatments, which reduce inflammation, are the primary treatment for macular edema caused by inflammatory eye diseases. These anti-inflammatory drugs are usually administered via eye drops, pills, or injections of sustained-release corticosteroids into or around the eye.
Is diabetic macular edema the same as diabetic retinopathy?
Even though the macula is part of the retina, macular edema is not a retinopathy. It’s a complication of diabetic retinopathy or some other condition.
What does DME stand for?
Durable medical equipment
Durable medical equipment (DME)
Can DME be treated?
There’s no cure, but DME can be managed. There are several treatments that can help slow the progression of the condition and prevent partial or complete vision loss. Scientists are looking into the possibility of curing or preventing DME with micro-RNAs, but more research is needed.