The most effective way to slow the progression of DME remains blood sugar control and management of diabetes-induced systemic symptoms. This includes controlling high blood sugar and fluid retention due to kidney damage. If DME has advanced to a stage where it threatens significant visual impairment, the following procedures may help save and even improve the remaining vision: Anti-VEGF injectable Medications that reduce edema and slow down growth of new abnormal blood vessels in the retina are delivered into the eye using a thin needle. They are called anti-angiogenic drugs that contain anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. Anti-VEGF medications have become the first line of treatment for people with DME. Potential risks include adverse effects to the body’s blood vessels resulting in stroke and heart attack. Laser photocoagulation Laser photocoagulation involves focusing a high energy laser beam onto leaking blood vessels in the retina (avoiding the macula). The goal is to seal them off and prevent growth of new problematic blood vessels. If the leak is located close to the macula, residual blurring of central vision may be expected. For some people, retreatment may have to be done in 3 to 5 years for the therapy to be effective.