DME AWARE Study Defines Key Needs - Scorecard - MDSpire

DME AWARE Study Defines Key Needs

Presenting results from the DME AWARE Delphi Study at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting in Denver, Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, PhD, director of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine, described a set of consensus findings that point to unmet needs across the continuum of DME management, with particular emphasis on early intervention and noninvasive treatment options (Figure 1).

  • By

  • Jim Gallagher, senior managing editor

  • May 1, 2026

  • 5 min

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Clinical Scorecard: DME AWARE Study Defines Key Needs

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionDiabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Key MechanismsInadequate treatment options, particularly for early-stage disease; reliance on anti-VEGF injections.
Target PopulationPatients with diabetic macular edema, particularly those with early-stage disease.
Care SettingOphthalmology clinics and practices.

Key Highlights

  • 60% of patients remain untreated one year after DME diagnosis.
  • Consensus on the need for noninvasive treatment options.
  • Early intervention preferred over invasive therapies for mild DME.
  • Poor response to treatment defined as less than 10% reduction in CST.
  • Emphasis on intraretinal fluid for monitoring DME.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Detection of DME can occur before the presence of fluid.

Management

  • Consider noninvasive treatments for early-stage DME.
  • Use visual function to define non-response to treatment.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess intraretinal fluid as a key biomarker in DME.

Risks

  • Invasive therapies may be deferred due to risk-benefit concerns.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with diabetic macular edema, particularly those with mild or early-stage disease.

Current reliance on anti-VEGF injections may contribute to treatment gaps.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Prioritize early intervention to prevent functional decline.
  • Encourage adherence to treatment plans.

References

Original Source(s)

DME AWARE Study Defines Key Needs

  • by Jim Gallagher, senior managing editor

  • May 1, 2026

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