In this prospective, comparative study of PPV with and without ILM peeling for diffuse clinically significant macular edema, structural improvement was seen but with limited visual improvement after ILM peeling.

There remains no proven intervention that consistently prevents or reverses visual loss from diabetic macular edema in all patients. A variety of promising new medical and surgical therapies are under investigation, but further research is required to determine their role alone or in combination.

Cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with concurrent IVTA appears a useful treatment option. Targeted delivery of corticosteroid is achieved without the risks of systemic corticosteroid prophylaxis. The incidence of postoperative macular edema was markedly reduced. Levels of visual acuity after cataract surgery, similar to those in eyes without uveitis, were achieved in eyes with posterior uveitis.

This study did not show a benefit from intravitreal triamcinolone over conventional laser therapy for patients with chronic diabetic macular oedema.

Diabetes mellitus affects at least 2% of the UK population and complications include blindness. Control of risk factors and laser treatment prevent visual loss. A National Screening Programme will identify at-risk patients. Treatments currently in clinical trial include antipermeability agents.