 Macular EdemaMacular Edema or Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a sight-threatening condition that results from the swelling of the central retina or macula and is associated with diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and uveitis. The condition is known to affect over 750 thousand people in the U.S. and over 2.5 million worldwide and is the leading cause of visual disabilities and blindness among individuals with diabetes (diabetic retinopathy). Disease Treatment Issues and OpportunitiesCurrently available treatments for DME include laser coagulation therapy and vitrectomy (surgery). Laser coagulation is more effective in the early stages of the disease. If bleeding is severe, surgery has traditionally been viewed as the next best option. The risk of new bleeding remains high regardless of the outcomes in either procedure. Recently, off-label use of intravitreally injected triamcinolone has been under study. Although triamcinolone reduces macular edema, its use has associated increases in intraocular pressure rise. Improved method of dosing and delivery presents an attractive market opportunity for the EyeGate® II Delivery System. |
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