Real-World Functional and Anatomic Outcomes With Aflibercept 8.0 mg in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Pharmacological Treatments

Background:

• Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
• Current treatments aim to reduce macular edema and preserve visual acuity.
• High-dose aflibercept (HDA) is an emerging treatment option for DME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate clinical outcomes in DME patients treated with HDA.
• To assess treatment intervals, anatomical changes, and visual acuity.
• To identify challenges associated with HDA therapy in DME.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, single-center study of 67 DME patients (100 eyes).
• Patients received at least 3 HDA injections with a defined loading dose.
• Outcomes included treatment interval maintenance (≥ 7 weeks), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central subfield thickness (CST).

Main Results:

• Mean CST significantly decreased from baseline to final visit (P = .025).
• BCVA remained stable throughout the study period (P = .676).
• 32% of eyes could not maintain ≥ 7-week intervals; these eyes had higher baseline CST (P = .045) and 90% had persistent macular fluid.

Conclusions:

• HDA effectively reduced CST and stabilized BCVA in DME patients.
• Frequent injections and persistent macular fluid remain significant challenges.
• Optimized treatment strategies are needed for chronic, treatment-resistant DME.