Current concepts in diabetic macular edema

ABSTRACT

Edema of the macula in diabetic patients is a frequent component of diabetic retinopathy, as well as a leading cause of loss of vision in this common disorder. The disease macular edema [ME] is subdivided into focal and diffuse. Many factors, both local and systemic, may contribute to the formation of diabetic ME. Several studies have shown that photocoagulation treatment of eyes with diabetic ME decreases the risk of visual loss. Early detection of asymptomatic diabetic patients with clinically significant ME is important for effective treatment. The results of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] suggest that clinical signs of ME, rather than deterioration of visual acuity, are the important criteria in deciding whether and when to apply focal photocoagulation in persons with diabetes