Reviews

Treatment of diabetic macular edema

Author

• • Miljana Tepić Popović tepic.miljana@hotmail.com Email Miljana Tepić Popović. (compose email, opens in email app.)
  • University clinical center of Republika Srpska View ROR record for University clinical center of Republika Srpska. (opens in new tab)

Abstract

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals with diabetes mellitus, particularly in the working-age population, and its prevalence is increasing due to the global rise in diabetes incidence. The aim of this paper is to review current principles of DME diagnosis and treatment based on available scientific literature. This is a narrative review article, with a search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the gold standard in diagnostics, enabling quantitative and qualitative assessment of edema. Anti-VEGF therapy is the first-line treatment for DME involving the center of the macula, demonstrating significant improvement in visual acuity. Corticosteroids represent a valuable alternative in patients who do not respond to anti-VEGF or have a prominent inflammatory component. Laser photocoagulation, although historically the gold standard, now plays a secondary role. Timely diagnosis and an individualized therapeutic approach are crucial for preserving visual function.

Keywords: diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, anti-VEGF therapy, corticosteroids, laser photocoagulation

How to Cite: Tepić Popović, M. (2026) “Treatment of diabetic macular edema”, Biomedicinska istraživanja. 17(S1). doi: https://doi.org/10.59137/BII202601643T