Real-world Impact of Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment on Visual and Anatomical Outcomes in Diabetic...

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major cause of visual impairment among individuals suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF treatment continues to play an important role in improving both anatomical and functional outcomes in patients with DME. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the effect of anti-VEGF treatments on visual and anatomical outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and to identify treatment responders and non-responders.

This was a prospective study of 92 eyes with DME that received treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and were followed for 12 months. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) outcome metric was recorded in logMAR; central subfield thickness (CST) measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) readings was recorded at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months. Associations were evaluated with patient age, duration of diabetes, and severity of retinopathy.

This prospective study included 92 eyes diagnosed with DME who were treated with anti-VEGF intravitreal injections and followed for a year. The metric for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured in logMAR; central subfield thickness (CST) was assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Correlations were assessed with patient age, length of diabetes, and retinopathy grade.

Anti-VEGF therapy led to significant changes in both BCVA and CST at 12 months (P < 0.001). Younger patients, shorter duration of diabetes and NPDR were associated with improved results. The visual and anatomic improvements were sustained over the full duration of the study.