Principal Investigator: Professor Noemi Lois

Name of the Study: DAME

Why is this Study important?

In diabetic macular oedema (DMO) patients, the central retina because swollen due to leaking of fluid from blood vessels and it causes sight loss. When the central retina gets to a certain thickness (400 μm or more), it is treated by injecting the eye with medicines to reduce the leaking (anti-VEGF injections). 

However, patients need regular injections until it clears, and often when they are stopped, the swelling returns. Injections are expensive and sometimes lead to anxiety in patients, and can cause serious eye infections. Suprathreshold micropulse laser (SML) has been shown to be effective in treating DMO when the central retinal thickness is less than 400 μm, with no side effects. 

What is the Research question/aim?:

The aim of the DAME study is to find out if there is a better way to treat diabetic macular oedema (DMO) in patients with diabetes. This study will compare the outcomes (clinical, cost-effectiveness, safety, and experience) of patients treated with injections and laser (SML) to those treated with injections alone.

Who can take part in the Study?

Adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes and DMO, of any age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status who have central retinal thickness of 400 µm or more and in whom treatment with anti-VEGF has started, may be able to take part.  Patients will be treated and followed-up for two years in the study.

Contact Information:

For more information about the study please contact Professor Noemi Lois (n.lois@qub.ac.uk).