Central Macular Thickness in Diabetic Macular Edema
H Gungel1, H Aral2, F Erdenen3
1University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Retina Section, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Acta Endocrinologica (Bucharest, Romania : 2005)
|June 4, 2021
Summary
Central macular thickness (CMT) in diabetic retinopathy patients is linked to metabolic factors, not just blood sugar. Adiponectin and uric acid levels may predict postoperative CMT after vitrectomy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy causes retinal microvascular dysfunction, with differing macular edema lesions between a patient's eyes.
- Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane peeling is a surgical option for advanced cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between central macular thickness (CMT) and metabolic/systemic factors in diabetic retinopathy patients.
- To compare CMT and related factors between vitrectomized eyes and fellow non-vitrectomized eyes.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 42 vitrectomized eyes and 42 fellow non-vitrectomized eyes from the same diabetic patients.
- Analysis of fasting blood samples for adiponectin, uric acid, and routine metabolic parameters.
Main Results:
- CMT in vitrectomized eyes correlated with atherogenic index, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and uric acid.
- CMT in non-vitrectomized eyes correlated with glucose levels and diabetes duration.
- Higher adiponectin and uric acid levels were observed in subgroups with increased CMT (≥300μm) in vitrectomized and fellow eyes, respectively.
Conclusions:
- CMT is influenced by atherogenicity and inflammatory processes, independent of hemoglobinA1c levels.
- Adiponectin and uric acid measurements may help predict atherosclerotic damage and postoperative CMT.
- Timely vitrectomy, alongside lifestyle changes and diabetes management, can aid retinal metabolic remodeling.
