[Work reintegration in patients treated for diabetic macular edema]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased in prevalence, and with it, complications such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME), which cause disability due to visual impairment and high medical and social costs, as it is the leading cause of blindness in the economically active population aged 18 to 64. Intravitreal anti-angiogenic (anti-VEGF) therapy is the first line of treatment.

To estimate the proportion of patients with DME who return to work and the time required after treatment.

Based on literature and local data with a response rate ≥ 60%, an observational study was planned; the analysis was descriptive, and the post-intervention comparison was performed using the chi-square test.

45 patients were included (26 women, 19 men; 57.4 ± 5.0 years; T2DM duration 16 [12-20] years), with diabetic retinopathy and macular edema: proliferative 53.3%, mild non-proliferative 22.2%, severe 17.8%, moderate 6.7%. Functional success (visual acuity, [VA] ≥ 0.5) was achieved in 70% of mild non-proliferative cases and 25% of proliferative/severe cases. Mean gain in decimal VA was + 0.127 RE and + 0.090 LE. A total of 33.3% reached VA ≥ 0.5 after loading doses, a functional level compatible with reading and precision tasks. An inverse correlation was observed between central macular thickness and final VA.

Early intervention maximized the benefit with intravitreal anti-VEGF, improving function and anatomy in DME. A significant proportion of patients of working age returned to work, reducing days of disability and improving quality of life.