Current Aspects of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment in Diabetic Macular Edema

This problem-solving article reviews the current knowledge on the epidemiology, physiology and treatment principles of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), a common diabetic complication and leading cause of blindness in working-age individuals. Although some risk factors for DME have been determined, the exact pathogenesis is still unknown. Proven effective and satisfactory therapy is currently not available. Clinical understanding and the major treatments for DME have not changed for several decades. Scientific progress in recent years outlines some new promising therapeutical strategies for treating DME. In addition new non-invasive high resolution imaging methods of the retina provides much deeper information about morphological findings in DME. New treatment and diagnostic options could be beneficial to detect DME in early stages, prevent its progression and to start the most effective treatment at earlier stages.