What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetic Macular Edema?

What are the symptoms of macular edema? The primary symptom of macular edema is

blurry or wavy vision near or in the center of your field of vision

. Colors might also appear washed out or faded. Most people with macular edema will have symptoms that range from slightly blurry vision to noticeable vision loss.

Can diabetic macular edema be cured?

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetes that can cause blindness.

There is no cure for diabetic macular edema

, but treatment can help slow progression of the condition and prevent blindness.

What is diabetic macular edema?

Sometimes, tiny bulges (microaneurysms) protrude from the vessel walls, leaking or oozing fluid and blood into the retina. This fluid can cause swelling (edema) in the central part of the retina (macula). This is a serious eye complication called diabetic macular edema that

can cause vision problems or blindness

.

What is the best treatment for diabetic macular edema?

Argon laser photocoagulation

has been the mainstay of treatment for macular edema since the publication of the results of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, which showed an approximate 50% reduction in the rate of moderate vision loss at 3 years following laser photocoagulation compared to no treatment.

How is diabetic edema treated?

Your doctor might prescribe

steroids to lessen swelling

in your retina. You can get steroids in a shot or with a tiny implant in your eye. The implant releases small doses of medicine slowly, so you won’t need a series of shots. Your doctor places it in your eye with a special device.

Can you go blind from macular edema?

If left untreated, macular

edema can cause severe vision loss and even blindness

.

How long does it take for macular edema to resolve?

The macular edema may take

up to four months

to go away. If the swelling does not go away after that time or it comes back later, the laser treatment can be repeated.

How serious is diabetic macular edema?

This fluid can cause swelling (edema) in the central part of the retina (macula). This is a serious eye complication called diabetic macular edema that

can cause vision problems or blindness

.

Is macular edema permanent?

Does macular edema go away by itself?

Macular edema does not often cause permanent vision loss

, but rarely goes away on its own. You must see an ophthalmologist immediately if you notice symptoms of macular edema. Untreated, macular edema can sometimes lead to complete vision loss.

How long does it take to go blind from diabetes?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. However, it usually takes

several years

for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight.

Can you drive with diabetic macular edema?

After lots of laser for diabetic retinopathy, you may notice a lot of glare and poor night vision. Many such people can see safely during the day, but have poor night vision. These patients are often legally allowed to drive as above, but

are not safe to drive at night

.

Is macular edema painful?

Macular edema

is often painless

and may display few symptoms when it develops. When symptoms do occur, they are a sign that the blood vessels in your eye may be leaking. Symptoms of macular edema may include blurred or wavy central vision, or colors appear washed out or changed.

Is macular edema serious?

Macular edema rarely causes a permanent loss of vision and can usually be easily treated, but the recovery is often a slow, gradual process. Though

the condition is typically not considered serious

, it can be a sign or symptom of a more serious health problem that may need to be addressed.

What happens if edema is left untreated?

If left untreated, edema can lead to

increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring

, and decreased blood circulation.

How do you get rid of edema?

1. Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. …
2. Elevation. …
3. Massage. …
4. Compression. …
5. Protection. …
6. Reduce salt intake.

Is walking good for edema?

The best weapon in the fight against swollen legs is a simple one: walking. Getting your legs moving means circulation is improved which will sweep up that collected fluid and get it shifted.