Anti-VEGF drugs

If you have diabetic retinopathy or DME, a protein called VEGF increases problems like leaking blood vessels and swelling in the macula (a part of the retina). Medicines called anti-VEGF drugs block this protein and help improve vision.

Common anti-VEGF drugs include:
Avastin (bevacizumab)
Lucentis (ranibizumab)
Eylea (afilibercept)
Most people who get anti-VEGF injections will need injections once a month for at least the first 3 months. Over time, you may need injections less often. Some people can eventually stop getting the injections, but others need to keep getting injections to protect their vision.

Corticosteroids
DME causes swelling in the macula. Medicines called corticosteroids can help reduce this swelling and make your vision clearer.
You can get corticosteroids as eye drops or injections, or your doctor can put a special device called an implant in your eye. The implant gives you regular small doses of the medicine over time. People who get the implant may be able to stop getting monthly injections.
Common corticosteroid implants include:
Ozurdex (dexamethasone) for short-term use
Iluvien (fluocinolone acetonide) for long-term use
Corticosteroids can increase your risk for cataracts and glaucoma. If you get corticosteroid injections for DME, it's important to get regular eye exams to check for signs of these problems.