Current Management of Diabetic Macular Edema

Abstract

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) which contributes significantly to the burden of visual impairment amongst persons living with diabetes. Chronic hyperglycemia triggers a cascade of pathologic changes resulting in breakdown of the retinal blood barrier. Understanding the pathophysiological and biochemical changes occurring in diabetes has led to developing novel therapeutics and effective management strategies for treating DME. The clinical utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the retina provides a detailed assessment of the retina microstructure, valid for individualization of patient treatment and monitoring response to treatment. Similarly, OCT angiography (dye-less angiography), another innovation in imaging of DME, provides an understanding of retinal vasculature in DME. From the earlier years of using retinal laser photocoagulation as the gold standard for treating DME, to the current use of intravitreal injection of drugs, several clinical trials provided evidence on safety and efficacy for the shift to intravitreal steroids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor use. The short durability of available drugs leading to frequent intravitreal injections and frequent clinic visits for monitoring constitute an enormous burden. Therefore, extended durability drugs are being designed, and remote monitoring of DME may be a solution to the current challenges.

Tractional retinal detachment: Prevalence and causes in nigerians

“…The use of affordable, mobile, portable handheld devices for fundus photography will significantly improve the acceptability and accessibility of such a service, as shown elsewhere. [ 16 17 18 ] Early treatment of PDR using retinal laser photocoagulation will prevent evolution to or progression to macula involving TRD. [ 19 ] Other national DR screening programs have proven and validated the positive impact of early screening and treatment.…”

“…[ 19 ] Other national DR screening programs have proven and validated the positive impact of early screening and treatment. [ 16 20 ] In conclusion, TRD eyes are at a significant risk of blindness; heightening awareness of this risk among patients and caregivers will significantly benefit early identification of at-risk eyes. The early detection and treatment of proliferative retinopathy in diabetes and sickle-cell disease, including campaigns on trauma prevention, will significantly reduce the burden of blindness due to TRD.…”