### Understanding Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Its Symptoms When you have diabetes, it's crucial to be aware of other serious health issues that can accompany it. One common condition is eye disease, particularly diabetic macular edema (DME). High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your eyes. #### What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the retina, the tissue lining the inside of your eye. The retina captures light and sends signals to your brain via the optic nerve. When blood vessels in the retina are damaged by high sugar levels, they can leak fluid or bleed. Although new blood vessels may grow, they are often weaker and prone to leakage. #### What is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)? DME is a condition that can arise from diabetic retinopathy. It is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetic retinopathy. DME occurs when fluid, blood, or cholesterol leaks from blood vessels in the retina, causing the macula (the central part of the retina) to swell. #### Symptoms of DME DME can develop at any stage of diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms can range from mild blurriness to significant vision loss. Common symptoms include blurred or wavy vision near the center of your field of vision and dull or washed-out colors. Some people may not experience any symptoms, while others may have vision problems in only one eye. #### Importance of Regular Eye Exams Since DME can progress without noticeable symptoms, it's essential to have a diabetic eye exam at least once a year. During the exam, your eye doctor will dilate your pupils and take images of the retina using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to check for fluid buildup. Another test, fluorescein angiography (FA), involves injecting dye into an arm vein to capture detailed images of the retina and identify any fluid leakage. #### Treatment Options If DME is affecting your vision, your doctor will discuss treatment options. The first step is usually to control your blood sugar levels. Other treatments may include anti-VEGF injections to reduce retinal swelling and laser therapy for cases where the central part of the eye is not affected. By understanding the symptoms and risks of DME, you can take proactive steps to manage your eye health and prevent vision loss.