DME AWARE Study Defines Key Needs

At ARVO 2026, Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, PhD, reported expert consensus on unmet needs in DME management, including early intervention and noninvasive therapies.

By: Jim Gallagher, senior managing editor

Retinal Physician May 5, 2026

Clinical Report: DME AWARE Study Defines Key Needs

Overview

The DME AWARE Study highlights significant unmet needs in the management of diabetic macular edema (DME), particularly the necessity for early intervention and noninvasive treatment options. A substantial proportion of patients remain untreated long after diagnosis, indicating a critical gap in care.

Background

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults, with many patients remaining untreated even after diagnosis. The DME AWARE Study, presented at the ARVO 2026 meeting, underscores the importance of addressing these gaps in care, particularly through early intervention and the development of noninvasive therapies. Understanding these needs is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of vision loss associated with DME.

Data Highlights

The study involved 25 global experts who evaluated 284 statements across three survey rounds, achieving consensus on approximately two-thirds of the statements regarding unmet needs in DME management.

Key Findings

About 60% of patients with DME remain untreated one year after diagnosis.
Panelists favored noninvasive treatments over intravitreal therapy for early-stage DME, with 70% supporting noninvasive intervention at a one-line loss from 20/20 vision.
Consensus was reached on the definition of poor treatment response as less than a 10% reduction in central subfield thickness (CST) when baseline CST is at least 350 µm.
Seventy-five percent of panelists emphasized the importance of intraretinal fluid in assessing retinal thickening in DME.
Detection of DME can occur before the presence of fluid, with intervention ideally occurring before functional decline.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should prioritize early detection and intervention strategies for DME to prevent vision loss. The findings suggest a need for the development of noninvasive treatment options that align with clinical decision-making, particularly for patients with early-stage disease.

Conclusion

The DME AWARE Study reveals critical gaps in the management of diabetic macular edema, emphasizing the need for early intervention and noninvasive therapies to improve patient outcomes.

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Retinal Physician