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So friends todays blog is about you eye health..let us start..

What is diabetic macular edema?

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As the name suggests diabetic macular edema is a disease associated with diabetes.some people with diabetes will get a form of retinopathy- a disorder of the retina in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy can progress and result in DME(also known as retinal swelling) that may affect your vision, and is one of the common causes of blindness. Although DME cannot be cured,there are treatments available,such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) treatments,that may help slow down the progress of vision loss and improve your vision. there are also many ways for you to take care of your own healthcare,manage your diabetes and contribute to the health of your eyes. Today DME can be effectively controlled with treatments like anti-VEGF therapy. ![image]()

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Early detection and treatment can help slow down the progression of vision loss.

DME is caused by swelling in the back of your eye-talk to your eye doctor about how you can reduce your risk of DME

DME occurs when fluid leaks into the centre of retina at the back of your eye (called macula),causing it to swell. thia swelling blurs your vision and affects your ability to read and see details clearly.

DME occurs in both eyes in more than 50% cases of people with this condition,although vision may not be affected in both.

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What are the risk factors for DME?

There are no of factors both within and outside of your control that can put you at increased risk of developing DME, or making it worse if you already have it. All patients with type I and type II diabetes are at risk of developing DME .

Risk factors are;

• High cholestrol
• Being overweight
• Not getting enough exercise
• Smoking

Following are the additional risk factors associated with DME;

• Diabetic retinopathy severity
• Poor glycemic control
• High blood pressure
• Duration of diabetes
• Age

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>All people with diabetes - both type I and type II - are at risk of developing DME; your level of diabetes is related to how long you have had diabetes and how well your blood sugar is controlled.

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What can i do?
Your vision is precious so do whatever is within your control to help you hold on to it. There are specific things you can do that may help to prevent or delay vision loss. Vision loss is not evitable.

PROACTIVELY MONITOR YOUR VISION

• Visit your eye doctor regularly-do not miss any scheduled appointments.
• If you notice a change in your vision,contact your eye doctor immediately.
• Be proactive about vision rehabilitation and the use of visual aids.

Be aware of the signs

You will probably be the first person do detect changes in vision, such as;

• Blurred vision
• Straight lines appear wavy or distorted
• Blind spot in central vision

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What can i do?
Take control of your diabetes..
*Take your diabetes medication as directed by your doctor.
*Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels.keepinv your blood sugar level in control is the single most important way to manage your diabetes.
*Keep blood pressure under control.
*Exercise regularly to help avoid high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol.

Making certain changes to your lifestyle can reduce your risk

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**What is the treatment?**

DME is a chronic condition, and monitoring your vision and diabetes is essential. It's important for you to get regular check-up done on your eyes,to keep your blood sugar under control, and to make lifestyle changes that can reduce the risks of vision loss

It is imp to followup on your DME diagnosis with treatment as soon as possible,as the speed at which DME progresses is dependent on a variety of factors which can be hard to control.

Rmember if one of your eye is affected , the risk of developing DME in your other eye goes up significantly.it is important to check sight in both eyes regurly with tests like Amsler grid.

Although DME is a chronic disease , current therapy options like anti-VEGF therapy,now makes it possible to delay, stop or reverse your vision losses and preserve your sight for longer.,helping you to continue the activities you enjoy.

Today there are several treatment options available, you and your eye doctor together will determine together which treatment is best for you.

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**How does anti-VEGF therapy control the damaging effects of DME?**

The latest treatment for this condition is called anti-VEGF therapy that stands for anti vascular endothelial growth factor. Anti-VEGF works by stoping the action of extra VEGF present in your eye because of your condition

Anti-VEGF has been designed to reduce the demaging changes in blood vessels in the macula of our eye that occurs in DME. By reducing these leaky blood vessels in your eye , anti-VEGF therapy can help to reduce your vision loss and can even restore your sight if administered early.

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**What to expect during the treatment?**

If you are prescribed an anti-VEGF treatment, the anti-VEGF drug will be injected directly into your eye, for maximal effects.

The needle used for this injection is small and short and the injection itself only takes a few seconds. As you will have had an anesthetic drop in your eye the injection feels like a small point of pressure on your eye rather than a scratch. Your eyes should feel comfortable by the next day.

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**Living with vision loss due to DME** Vision loss due to DME does not necessarly mean that you will become blind; however the disease can have a profound effect on your quality of life. A significant loss of central vision can severely impact your ability to function as before,makinv some things that you have always taken for granted , extremely difficult. # Visual aids and rehabilitation can help you to retain your independence. Ask for help if you need it.your loved ones, family, friends are there to help you.

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To understand more am posting a youtube link ;

The video creditis goes to NOVARTIS..

THANK YOU @naseerbhat

References;
*NOVARTIS novartis pharmaceuticals
*Google images