There are about 93 million patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) all over the world. Among them, 17 million are proliferative DR, 21 million have diabetic macular edema (DME), and 28 million have a threat of vision loss. With aging, DME has become a main cause of vision loss in the patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Though its pathogenesis is not clear yet, evidence shows that break-down of the inner and outer blood-retinal barrier might be involved in the incidence and development of DME. At present, the treating methods of DME include retinal laser photocoagulation, application of glucocorticoids, intravitreous injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), administration of inhibitor of protein kinase C, vitrectomy, etc. However, each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The combined treatment has a bright future for its fewer repetitions, higher efficacy and great safety. In this paper, we reviewed current research status and future development trends of DME treatment for the elderly.