Unfortunately, there is no sure way of predicting this. At present, the evidence suggests that if you have DME in one eye, there is a 50% chance you may get it in the other eye as well. ⁽ ¹ ⁾

In addition to diabetes control measures, your doctor will recommend the most suitable pharmacotherapy option for you based on the severity of your DME. The most common first-line pharmacotherapy for vision loss due to DME is anti-VEGF intravitreal injections.

Your ophthalmologist will first numb your eye with eye drops or a gel. Once numb, they will administer an antiseptic to prevent infection. They will then use a small syringe to inject the anti-VEGF medication into your eye using a tiny, 30-gauge needle. 

After the injection, you may experience slight irritation, similar to having sand in your eyes, from the antiseptic. This should only last about 24 hours, and using artificial tears may help. 

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is one of the major conditions resulting from Diabetic Retinopathy. Approximately 12 percent of patients with Diabetic Retinopathy suffer from DME. ⁽ ¹ ⁾

Diabetic Retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication that damages the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. High blood sugar levels weaken the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to bleeding, leaking of fluids, and the formation of abnormal new blood vessels. It can progress through various stages, from mild nonproliferative retinopathy to severe proliferative retinopathy, which can lead to significant vision loss. ⁽ ² ⁾

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a condition related to Diabetic Retinopathy that specifically affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. DME occurs when the damaged blood vessels in the retina leak fluid, causing swelling (edema) in the macula. This swelling can disrupt central vision and lead to visual distortions or blurriness. ⁽ ³ ⁾