Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
(VEGF) Inhibitor injections such as Lucentis® and Eyelea® are now considered
the best treatment option for Diabetic Macular Edema. Diabetic Macular Edema
(DME) is a significant cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes and
diabetic retinopathy. According to a study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology reporting an analysis of multiple studies
on Diabetic Maculopathy published between January 1, 1985 and July 31, 2013, although laser photocoagulation has been
the standard treatment for DME for nearly 30 years, there is increasing
evidence that better outcomes can be achieved with Vascular Endothelial Growth
Factor (VEGF) Inhibitor injections. In fact, the number of patients with
DME gaining an improvement of seeing an additional 10-15 letters on the eye
chart was at least 2 times greater for those patients treated with the VEGF
inhibitor injections as compared to being treated with laser treatments. Thus,
the researchers concluded that VEGF inhibitor therapy is superior to laser
photocoagulation for treatment of moderate to severe visual impairment caused
by DME.
If you or someone you know has
diabetes and is concerned about their risk of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) or
Diabetic Retinopathy, it is critical that they have regular dilated eye exams
at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or http://www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham is
located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama
35205.
