Prospective study of morphologic and functional parameter changes post intravitreal therapy for macular edema.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Medical Treatments

Background:

• Macular edema (ME) associated with diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), or uveitis impacts retinal function.
• Intravitreal therapies, including corticosteroids and anti-VEGF agents, are common treatments for ME.
• Assessing the long-term efficacy of these treatments on retinal sensitivity (RS) is crucial for understanding functional recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of intravitreal steroid or anti-VEGF treatment on retinal sensitivity (RS) in patients with macular edema (ME).
• To assess changes in RS in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME), macular edema post retinal vein occlusion (RVO), or uveitis over a 2-year period.

Main Methods:

• A prospective longitudinal study involving 68 patients (96 eyes) with ME.
• Quantification of RS using Nidek MP1 microperimetry at baseline and 3-6 months, and 1-2 years post-treatment.
• Evaluation of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal thickness alongside RS measurements.

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was observed between central RS and BCVA in DME and uveitis, but not RVO.
• At 2-year follow-up, central subfield thickness (CST) and BCVA improved significantly overall.
• Despite reduced macular thickness and improved BCVA, no significant improvement in RS was observed in any of the ME groups.

Conclusions:

• Long-term follow-up of ME cases indicates that intravitreal treatments do not lead to significant improvements in retinal sensitivity.
• While treatments effectively reduce macular thickness and improve visual acuity, functional recovery of retinal sensitivity remains limited.
• Further research may be needed to explore strategies for enhancing retinal sensitivity post-treatment for ME.