Diabetic Macular Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Sumiran Racherla, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Diabetic Macular Edema?
An ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who treats eye disease and does eye surgery, treats diabetic macular edema. A retina specialist, an eye doctor who focuses on the back of the eye, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is diabetic macular edema?
Diabetic macular edema (DME) happens when blood vessels in the retina leak fluid into the macula. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye. The macula is the part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. This causes blurry vision.
DME usually develops in people who already have other signs of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes. Over time, about 1 in 15 people with diabetes will develop DME.
Symptoms
In the early stages, diabetic eye problems usually do not have any symptoms. That is why regular dilated eye exams matter, even if your eyes seem healthy. Talk with your eye care professional if you notice these, even if they come and go:
- Spots or dark wavy strings floating in your vision.
- Blurry or wavy vision.
- Vision that changes a lot.
- Trouble seeing colors.
Causes and who gets it
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar due to diabetes. The sugar in your blood changes the tiny blood vessels that go to your retina. These changes make it harder for blood to flow, so blocked blood vessels leak fluid or bleed. Anyone with any kind of diabetes can get diabetic retinopathy. Your risk rises the longer you have diabetes.
Your risk of diabetic eye disease is also higher if you do not have good control over your blood glucose or blood pressure.
How doctors diagnose it
Eye doctors check for diabetic retinopathy with a dilated eye exam, which uses drops to widen the pupil. The doctor gives you eye drops to widen your pupil. Then the doctor checks your eyes for diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems. The eye doctor will also test your vision and measure the pressure in your eyes.
If your eye doctor thinks you may have severe diabetic retinopathy or DME, they may do a fluorescein angiogram. This test lets the doctor see pictures of the blood vessels in your retina. If you have diabetes, get a full dilated eye exam at least once a year.
Treatment
In the early stages, your eye doctor will probably just keep track of how your eyes are doing. In later stages, it is important to start treatment right away, especially if you have changes in your vision. Treatment can stop your vision from getting worse.
- Injections in the eye. Medicines called anti-VEGF drugs can slow down or reverse diabetic retinopathy. Other medicines, called corticosteroids, can also help.
- Laser treatment. Eye doctors use lasers to make blood vessels shrink and stop leaking, which reduces swelling in the retina.
- Eye surgery called a vitrectomy. Your eye doctor may suggest it if your retina is bleeding a lot or you have a lot of scars in your eye.
These treatments are not cures, and eye problems can come back.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a sudden change in your vision. This includes a dark shadow over part of your vision, like a curtain, or sudden vision loss.
Call your eye care professional right away if you notice any of these:
- Many new spots or dark wavy strings floating in your vision.
- Flashes of light.
- Eye pain or redness.
If you have diabetes, see an eye doctor for a dilated exam at least once a year, even without symptoms.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can help you work on your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals. They can also remind you about yearly eye exams. Eye doctors provide DME treatments, such as injections and laser.
Common questions
Does diabetic macular edema cause vision loss?
Yes, it can. DME causes blurry vision, and diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss and blindness. Treatment can stop your vision from getting worse. Some medicines can slow down or reverse diabetic retinopathy. So start treatment right away if your vision changes.
Can diabetic macular edema be cured?
No, the treatments for diabetic eye problems, including DME, are not cures. Eye problems can come back, so take control of your diabetes and get regular eye exams.
How often should I get an eye exam if I have diabetes?
If you have diabetes, get a full dilated eye exam at least once a year. Some people with diabetic retinopathy need one every 2 to 4 months.
Can I prevent diabetic macular edema?
You can lower your risk. Managing your diabetes is the best way to lower your risk of diabetic retinopathy. DME usually develops in people who already have signs of it. Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol can also help lower your risk for vision loss.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
