levels of calcium compared to most sources of dairy.
As always, curbing the intake of fried foods, sweets, and sugary beverages is strongly suggested. Your doctor may have ideas for how to structure a meal plan, including portion size and carbohydrate counting. A course of medical nutrition therapy may also be beneficial, depending on your needs and what your medical insurance can cover.
The more severe cases of DME require more invasive treatments, such as anti-VEGF injections or steroid injections in or near the eye, laser treatments, eye drops, or eye surgery.
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VEGF, or vascular endothelial growth factor, refers to the body’s overproduction of a protein that causes swelling in the retina. Anti-VEGF drugs such as Avastin and Lucentis are administered by monthly injection and include a numbing process before injection.
Depending on the severity of the DME, the patient may need the injections for a few months, or indefinitely. Steroid injections or eye drops are another invasive treatment option, but using these does come with an increased risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma.
Wherever you might be in your current journey with DME, diet and lifestyle changes seem the most effective approach toward curbing the condition, or at least minimizing its adverse effects. Regular eye exams are key to monitoring how the condition is progressing, and dictating your next steps. Staying mindful and connected to your health and wellness will keep you living a fuller, healthier life.