the surveillance strategy for people who still have good vision

A new study has been published on the treatment strategy for diabetic macular edema.

The research, published in the journal of the American Medical Association. The study found that people with diabetic macular edema, who still have good vision measured with the help of an eye card review, may waive immediate treatment macular edema as long as they are closely monitored, and treatment begins rapidly if vision deteriorates.

What is diabetic macular edema?

According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, diabetic macular edema is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetic eye disease in the United States.

Diabetes can sometimes cause the development of blood vessels leaking into the retina at the back of the eye. It is caused by an accumulation of fluid in the central area of ​​the retina, called the macula. The macula is important for clear vision.

L & # 39; study

The study's lead investigator, Carl W. Baker, MD, an ophthalmologist at the Retinal Center in Paducah, Kentucky, said, "We now know that in patients with good vision and diabetic macular edema, similar to those included in this essay, it is an acceptable strategy. monitor patients closely and start treatment only if their vision begins to show signs of decline. "

DRCR Retina Network Co-Chair Jennifer K. Sun, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School, added, "From what we've seen in previous studies to more long term on people with diabetes. Macular edema, the visual acuity results observed at the end of this two-year study are likely to be maintained if patients continue to receive regular follow-up and treatment, as appropriate, in subsequent years. "

The future of identifying diabetic macular edema

Study Center Co-ordinator Adam R. Glbadman, MS, of the Jaeb Center for Health Research, Tampa, concluded, "Future technologies could better identify who could benefit from early treatment, before diabetic macular edema affects vision. But for now, close monitoring of diabetic macular edema in patients with good vision is an appropriate initial strategy, provided that it is closely followed and further treated if the vision is met. deteriorated. "