Living with diabetes is tough, because if the condition is not properly managed, then it can have a severe negative impact on various parts and organs of the body. For example, diabetes can lead to a number of serious eye conditions. A common complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a condition where retina’s blood vessels get damaged. The presence of high amount of sugar in the blood stream can cause these blood vessels to become weak. As a result, there could be fluid leakage from these damaged blood vessels.

If the vessels are not treated in time, then the leaking of the fluid from the vessels can lead to Diabetic Macular Edema. In this condition, there is swelling of the retina due to the fluid leakage. This swelling prevents macula, that section of the retina which gives us sharp central vision, from functioning properly. Making wise choices when it comes to lifestyle is a vital step, that should be taken to manage diabetes and prevent related eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema.

Types of Diabetic Macular Edema

The condition of Diabetic Macular Edema can be classified into two categories depending on how the fluid is entering and affecting the functioning of macula: Focal Diabetic Macular Edema and Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema. If the blood vessels are suffering from abnormalities, then the resulting condition is called Focal Diabetic Macular Edema. On the other hand, if the retinal capillaries are suffering from swelling, then the resulting condition is called Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema.

Risk Factors

Given the serious consequences of Diabetic Macular Edema, it’s important to understand what are the different risk factors for this condition. If someone has been suffering from diabetes for a long period of time, then they are quite susceptible to developing DME. The type of diabetes that the person has also matters. In case someone is suffering from diabetic retinopathy, then they are highly vulnerable to DME too. Fluid retention and extremely high blood pressure are some of the other risk factors.

Symptoms

There are some symptoms associated with DME, but it’s important to know that this condition doesn’t present signs always. Therefore, it becomes crucial to get regular eye checkups, so that if there are any issues they can be caught in time. Following are some of the symptoms of DME that one should look out for: double vision, increased floaters in the eye, wavy or blurry vision, etc. Take notice of symptoms like these. If DME is not treated in time, it could lead to blindness.

Prevention

Now that we have explored what Diabetic Macular Edema is, how it is caused, what are its different types, and what are its common symptoms, let’s understand how one can protect themselves from this condition. Healthy and active living is important for preventing Diabetic Macular Edema. Get some exercise daily and eat nutritious food. Proper management of your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar is extremely important.