Diabetic Macular Oedema
What is diabetic macular oedema?
Macular oedema – Macular oedema GIF
Why does DMO occur?
What tests are required?
1. Fundus fluorescein angiography – in this test a dye is injected in the arm and photographs are taken of the dye as it passes through the blood vessels at the back of your eye.
2. Swept-source OCT retinal scan – It is a test which uses a light beam to create an ultra-high-definition scan of the macula. It helps confirm the diagnosis of macular oedema and monitor progress once treatment is commenced.
What are the treatment options?
1. Laser treatment to macula: This involves applying laser burns in the macular region. It is carried out as an outpatient procedure.
Macular Oedema – Maculopathy photocoagulation GIF
Wet Exudative Treatments – Anti-VEGF Angiogenesis Inhibitor GIF
What are the risks of treatment?
Generally speaking, the benefits outweigh the risks. An injection carries a small risk (0.3%) of infection in the eye (endophthalmitis). With Ozurdex and Iluvien treatment the main risks are glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) and cataract (cloudy lens). With Lucentis injection there is a small risk (1-2%) of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.