DME
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Diabetic macular edema |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Medical, Transportation & Travel |
DME has three meanings. The most common are Diabetic macular edema (ophthalmology & ENT) and Durable medical equipment (rehabilitation); it can also stand for Distance measuring equipment.
Meanings of DME at a glance
| # | DME stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diabetic macular edema | Medical › Ophthalmology & ENT |
| 2 | Durable medical equipment | Medical › Rehabilitation |
| 3 | Distance measuring equipment | Transportation & Travel › Aviation |
1. Diabetic macular edema
Medical · Ophthalmology & ENT Abbreviations
Swelling of the macula from leaking retinal blood vessels in diabetes, the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetic retinopathy. It is diagnosed and monitored with optical coherence tomography.
Example: Center-involving DME OD, central thickness 420 microns, VA 20/50; begin monthly anti-VEGF.
Anti-VEGF injections are first-line for center-involving DME with vision loss, with laser and steroid implants as alternatives. The DRCR Retina Network's Protocol T compared aflibercept, bevacizumab and ranibizumab in 2015. In insurance and supply contexts DME means durable medical equipment, a far more common use.
2. Durable medical equipment
Medical · Rehabilitation Abbreviations
Reusable medical equipment prescribed for home use, such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, commodes, oxygen equipment and CPAP machines. Therapists and case managers recommend and order DME before discharge.
Example: DME ordered: FWW, 3-in-1 commode, shower chair; delivery before discharge.
Medicare Part B covers DME that is medically necessary, used at home and expected to last at least three years, through approved suppliers. Bathroom items such as grab bars and shower chairs are often not covered. Prior authorization is required for some power mobility devices.
3. Distance measuring equipment
Transportation & Travel · Aviation Abbreviations
Avionics system that measures slant-range distance in nautical miles between an aircraft and a ground station by timing paired UHF pulses. DME is usually colocated with a VOR or ILS and also displays ground speed and time to the station.
Example: Cross the 12 DME fix on the localizer at or above 3,000 feet, then continue the descent.
Because DME measures slant range, an aircraft passing about 6,000 feet directly over the station reads roughly 1.0 nautical mile. A ground station can serve only a limited number of aircraft, often cited as about 100, before saturating. US rules require DME or a suitable RNAV system for aircraft at or above FL240 when VOR navigation equipment is required.
Related abbreviations
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- CSR – Central serous retinopathy
- CYL – Cylinder
- DES – Dry eye syndrome
- DFE – Dilated fundus examination
- DR – Diabetic retinopathy
- ERM – Epiretinal membrane
- ETD – Eustachian tube dysfunction
- FA – Fluorescein angiography
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
More rehabilitation abbreviations
- CPM – Continuous passive motion
- DASH – Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand
- Dep – Dependent
- DGI – Dynamic Gait Index
- EOB – Edge of bed
- FEES – Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing
- FES – Functional electrical stimulation
- FFWB – Foot-flat weight bearing
See all 98 rehabilitation abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.