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 , Google+ or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham is located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.
