Diabetic macular oedema is a complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye, causing them to leak, and subsequently, fluid builds up at the macular. The macular provides the central vision for seeing fine details, which is important for activities like reading or watching TV.
If you’re diabetic, it’s important to follow the advice of your healthcare team to manage your blood sugar level and reduce the risk of eye disease. You should also have an annual diabetic eye screening appointment to monitor for changes – early detection and treatment can help limit vision loss. If you already have diabetic macular oedema, you can slow its progression by managing your diabetes with support from your healthcare team.
You can find more information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of diabetic macular oedema on the Moorfields Eye Hospital website.
Additionally, at Guide Dogs, we have a wide range of services, both with and without guide dogs, and a team of experts who can work with you to understand your needs and agree on a plan that’s right for you.
The ways we could help you:
Enquire today, so we can help to find solutions that work for you.
Please note: Whilst Guide Dogs may be able to suggest various third-party websites which may be able to assist you, those are not endorsed by Guide Dogs. Guide Dogs have no control over those third parties and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information and support they can provide or the suitability and quality of any products or services they provide.
Find information and advice on living with visual impairment, including registering as sight impaired.
Find information and advice on living with diabetic retinopathy for yourself, a friend, or family member.
Find out how to get support for you, a family member or a friend who's experiencing vision problems.