Diabetic macular edema is a major cause of visual impairment in the population. The pathogenesis of diabetic macular edema is multifactorial. Laser photocoagulation is considered as the standard treatment method in diabetic macular edema, but in many cases, there is no response to laser therapy. Other therapeutic options have been proposed for the treatment of this condition. In this review, several factors and mechanisms implicated in the etiology of macular edema, its pathogenesis, treatment modalities and the latest developments are being discussed. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2012; 42: 53-60)
Keywords: Diabetic macular edema, diabetes, intravitreal injection, anti VEGF, laser photocoagulation, vitreoretinal surgery