Diabetic macular edema

Diabetic macular oedema involves the leakage of fluid and blood components into the macula. This causes severely blurred vision in the centre of the visual field.

Normal Vision.
Normal Vision.
Early changes of diabetic macular edema.
You may not notice early changes of diabetic macular edema, but your doctor may be able to detect it.
Advanced diabetic macular edema causes significant visual impairment.
An advanced diabetic macular edema causes significant visual impairment.

(click to enlarge the image)

What is an OCT examination?

“OCT” is short for “optical coherence tomography” a modern imaging technique like MRI or sonogram, which shows doctors structures inside the eye that can change due to eye disease.

What are medical benefits of the OCT examination?

Careful examination and analysis of the structures seen in OCT images can help doctors identify early signs of eye diseases like AMD and diabetic macular edema.

Using OCT to monitor treatment of macular edema. Before treatment (top), 4 weeks after initial treatment (bottom)
Using OCT to monitor treatment of macular edema.
Before treatment (top), 4 weeks after initial treatment (bottom)

In fact, OCT is so sensitive, it often shows doctors signs of disease before you notice any changes in your vision. This is a tremendous advantage to you; because, studies have proven that starting treatment early is the best way to save vision.

OCT is also helpful for confirming whether your treatment is working or if alternate treatments should be considered.