Ask your doctor about a second indication for ILUVIEN
Ask your doctor about a second indication for ILUVIEN
If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you may experience damaged blood vessels in the retina. Inflammation from diabetic retinopathy leads to edema (swelling) of the macula, the central area of your retina. This condition is called DME, and it can affect your central vision. DME is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness.
If you have diabetes—either Type 1 or Type 2—you are at risk of developing a diabetic eye disease called diabetic retinopathy (DR), the condition that can lead to diabetic macular edema (DME). If left untreated, DME is a common cause of vision loss. Keeping your glycemic levels as close to normal as possible may delay or even prevent the development of DR and DME.
Duration of diabetes is 10 years or longer
Poor control of blood sugar levels in the past (even if currently under control)
Hyperglycemia, or high HbA1c—chronic high levels of blood sugars increase the risk of developing DR and DME; keeping your glycemic levels as close to normal as possible may delay or even prevent the development of DR and DME
Dyslipidemia—abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels may increase your risk of DME
Hypertension—high blood pressure and the damage it does to your organs are risk factors for DME
Nephropathy (kidney disease) and cardiovascular disease or heart disease also increase your risk
Tobacco use—quitting smoking can reduce risk of DR
Pregnancy—in women with diabetes, comprehensive dilated eye exams should be considered during any pregnancy
Anyone who has diabetes is at risk of developing some form of eye disease, including DR and DME, in his or her lifetime. That’s why it’s important to see an eye doctor for regular eye exams at least once a year.
You’re not alone –
21 million people around the world suffer from DME
Diabetic Macular Edema is the major cause of vision loss in people with diabetic retinopathy.