Diabetic Macular Edema: The Overlooked Vision Threat

Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, but its impact on your vision is often underestimated. One of the most serious and commonly overlooked complications is diabetic macular edema (DME). This condition can lead to permanent vision loss if not caught and treated early. At Tres Vision Group in Melbourne, FL, our outstanding eye doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of DME using advanced imaging and personalized care plans.

What Is Diabetic Macular Edema?

DME occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid into the macula. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. As this fluid builds up, it causes the macula to swell, which can distort vision and make it difficult to read, recognize faces, or see fine details.

DME typically develops as a complication of diabetic retinopathy, a broader condition involving blood vessel damage throughout the retina. Not every patient with diabetic retinopathy develops DME, but the risk increases the longer someone has diabetes and the less controlled their blood sugar is.

What Are the Symptoms?

One of the challenges of DME is that symptoms may not be obvious in the early stages. You may notice:

• Blurry or wavy central vision
• Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
• Colors appearing faded or washed out
• A dark or empty spot in the center of vision

Because changes can be subtle at first, it’s critical for diabetic patients to have regular dilated eye exams—even if their vision feels “normal.”

How Is DME Treated?

At Tres Vision Group, we use advanced retinal imaging (such as OCT) to detect even the earliest signs of macular swelling. If DME is diagnosed, treatment may include:

• Anti-VEGF injections to reduce fluid leakage and prevent vision loss
• Corticosteroid injections or implants for inflammation-related swelling
• Laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels

Treatment is highly individualized based on the severity of the condition, overall eye health, and the patient’s response to different therapies.

Protecting Your Vision in Melbourne and Brevard County

Our experienced eye doctors are committed to helping patients in Melbourne, Merritt Island, and throughout Brevard County manage the ocular complications of diabetes. With regular monitoring and prompt treatment, vision loss from diabetic macular edema can often be slowed or even prevented.

If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeing an eye doctor. Schedule a comprehensive diabetic eye exam at Tres Vision Group by contacting us at (321) 984-3200. Early detection is your best defense against diabetic macular edema.