DIABETIC MACULOPATHY - CLINICAL ASPECTS, RISKFACTORS AND THERAPEUTIC POSSIBILITIES

Edema of the macula is a frequent component of diabetic retinopathy, as well as a common cause of visual impairment in this disorder. It is strongly associated with high blood pressure and the presence of proteinuria. Correction of these risk factors may reduce macular edema and should be included as part of the total management of patients with diabetic maculopathy. The benefit of a focal treatment for focal macular edema has been established but the results are not so good when a grid treatement for diffuse macular edema is performed.