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Objective: to compare outcomes of cataract surgery combined with either anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) therapy or dexamethasone implant (DEX) in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Methods: Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes of diabetic cataract surgery combined with either anti-VEGF or DEX, with a follow-up ≥3 months. The primary outcome was the mean change in central macular thickness (CMT). Mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was considered as a secondary outcome. The mean difference between baseline and post-treatment values (MD) with 95%-Confidence Interval (95%CI) was calculated and meta-analyses were performed. Results: ninteen studies were included, 8 in the DEX group and 11 in the anti-VEGF group. A significant reduction of macular thickness was shown in the DEX group at 3 months (MD = −98.35 µm; 95% CI, −147.15/−49.54), while mean CMT change was non-significant in the anti-VEGF group (MD = −21.61 µm; 95% CI, −59.46/16.24; test of group differences, P < 0.001). At 3 months, no difference in visual gain was found between the two groups (P = 0.13). Conclusions: in DMO patients, cataract surgery combined with DEX seems to provide better anatomical outcomes compared with cataract surgery combined with anti-VEGF therapy. However, our evidence was limited by significant heterogeneity. Randomised trials comparing these two different combined approaches are warranted.

Introduction Randomised controlled trials provide evidence that a treatment works. Real world evidence is required to assess if proven treatments are effective in practice. Method Retrospective data collection on patients given aflibercept for diabetic macular oedema over 3 years from 21 UK hospitals: visual acuity (VA); Index of multiple deprivation score (IMD); injection numbers; protocols used, compared as a cohort and between sites. Results Complete data: 1742 patients (from 2196 eligible) at 1 year, 860 (from 1270) at 2, 305 (from 506) at 3 years. The median VA improved from 65 to 71, 70, 70 (ETDRS letters) at 1, 2 and 3 years with 6, 9 and 12 injections, respectively. Loss to follow-up: 10% 1 year, 28.8% at 3. Centres varied: baseline: mean age 61–71 years (p p p p = 0.0023) and worse VA at baseline (p p = 0.0010). Conclusions The data showed significant variation between treatment centres for starting age, VA and IMD which influenced adherence and chances of good VA. Once treatment was started IMD did not alter likelihood of improvement. Loading dose intensity did not alter outcome at one year.

Objectives DRAKO (NCT02850263) is a 24-month, prospective, non-interventional, multi-centre cohort study which enroled patients diagnosed with centre-involving diabetic macular oedema (DMO). The study aims to evaluate standard of care with intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) treatment in the UK. This analysis describes the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment-naive patient cohort after 12-month follow-up. Methods Study eyes were treated with IVT-AFL as per local standard of care. The mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST) from baseline at 12 months were measured and stratified by baseline factors. The number of injections and safety data were also evaluated. Results A total of 507 patients were enroled from 35 centres. Mean (SD) baseline BCVA was 71.4 (12.0) letters and CST was 448.7 (88.7) µm, with 63.1% of patients presenting with baseline BCVA ≥ 70 letters (mean 78.1). Mean (SD) change in BCVA of 2.5 (12.2) letters and CST of −119.1 (116.4) µm was observed at month 12. A 7.3 letter gain was observed in patients with baseline BCVA Conclusion Year one results indicated that IVT-AFL was an effective treatment for DMO in standard of care UK clinical practice, maintaining or improving visual acuity in treatment-naive patients with good baseline visual acuity, despite some patients being undertreated versus the summary of product characteristics. These results also demonstrated the clinical importance and meaningful impact of diabetic retinopathy screening in the UK.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal thickness fluctuations in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. METHODS: Visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST) were collected at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Retinal thickness fluctuation was quantified by standard deviation (SD) of CST across 12 months. A mixed effects regression model evaluated the relationship between CST SD and VA at 12 months. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate predictors of CST SD. RESULTS: Mean baseline and 12-month VAs were 63.5 ± 15.7 and 69.0 ± 13.8 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters (change = +5.1 ± 16.1 letters, p

Objectives To present and validate a deep ensemble algorithm to detect diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO) using retinal fundus images. Methods A total of 8739 retinal fundus images were collected from a retrospective cohort of 3285 patients. For detecting DR and DMO, a multiple improved Inception-v4 ensembling approach was developed. We measured the algorithm's performance and made a comparison with that of human experts on our primary dataset, while its generalization was assessed on the publicly available Messidor-2 dataset. Also, we investigated systematically the impact of the size and number of input images used in training on model's performance, respectively. Further, the time budget of training/inference versus model performance was analyzed. Results On our primary test dataset, the model achieved an 0.992 (95% CI, 0.989-0.995) AUC corresponding to 0.925 (95% CI, 0.916-0.936) sensitivity and 0.961 (95% CI, 0.950-0.972) specificity for referable DR, while the sensitivity and specificity for ophthalmologists ranged from 0.845 to 0.936, and from 0.912 to 0.971, respectively. For referable DMO, our model generated an AUC of 0.994 (95% CI, 0.992-0.996) with a 0.930 (95% CI, 0.919-0.941) sensitivity and 0.971 (95% CI, 0.965-0.978) specificity, whereas ophthalmologists obtained sensitivities ranging between 0.852 and 0.946, and specificities ranging between 0.926 and 0.985. Conclusion This study showed that the deep ensemble model exhibited excellent performance in detecting DR and DMO, and had good robustness and generalization, which could potentially help support and expand DR/DMO screening programs.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the 1-year treatment outcomes of bevacizumab for diabetic macular oedema (DMO) in routine clinical practice. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 298 eyes of 220 patients with DMO that received intra-vitreal bevacizumab between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2018 that were tracked by a prospectively designed, web-based observational registry—the Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry. RESULTS: The mean visual acuity (95% confidence interval [CI]) at 1-year was 3 (2, 5) letters better than a mean (SD) of 68 (15) letters at study entry. Nearly a quarter of eyes achieved ≥20/40. Eyes presenting with better vision (≥20/40) tended to maintain that vision during the period of observation, whereas those presenting with worse vision (

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To study the mechanism of restoration of retinal photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ), after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) therapy, in diabetic macular oedema (DMO). SUBJECTS/METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients aged 40–65 years having type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with DMO were prospectively recruited for IVB therapy. It comprised of three doses (1.25 mg in 0.05 ml) of IVB at monthly intervals. Patients with other ocular and systemic diseases affecting retinal vessels and earlier ophthalmological interventions were excluded. Visual acuity (logMAR VA) was recorded. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed pre and post intervention. Central sub-foveal thickness (CST) and grades of disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), external limiting membrane (ELM) and EZ were assessed. Data were statistically analysed on SPSS software. Clinical trials registry: CTRI/2019/03/018135. RESULTS: Mean logMAR VA decreased after IVB therapy from 1.78 ± 0.07 pre-intervention to 0.42 ± 0.05 post intervention (p

PURPOSE: To evaluate Microperimetry (MP) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) as whole-macula functional markers of treatment response in naive diabetic macular oedema (DMO) patients undergoing ranibizumab treatment. METHODS: An exploratory sub-analysis of a prospective study (NCT01947881-CHARTRES). Patients received three monthly ranibizumab injections (loading dose) followed by pro re nata (PRN) regimen during 1 year. At baseline, during and after treatment (Months 0, 3, 6 and 12), subjects were tested using BCVA, OCT, MP and mfERG. MP was performed in the central 12°, and retinal sensitivity was measured overall (mean sensitivity (MS)), and in three concentric rings (R1–R3). mfERG P1 amplitude and implicit time were measured over six concentric rings (R1–R6). RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes were included. MP mean and rings sensitivity were significantly lower in DMO (p

The management of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has evolved considerably over the past decade, with the availability of new technologies (diagnostic and therapeutic). As such, the existing Royal College of Ophthalmologists DR Guidelines (2013) are outdated, and to the best of our knowledge are not under revision at present. Furthermore, there are no other UK guidelines covering all available treatments, and there seems to be significant variation around the UK in the management of diabetic macular oedema (DMO). This manuscript provides a summary of reviews the pathogenesis of DR and DMO, including role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and non-VEGF cytokines, clinical grading/classification of DMO vis a vis current terminology (of centre-involving [CI-DMO], or non-centre involving [nCI-DMO], systemic risks and their management). The excellent UK DR Screening (DRS) service has continued to evolve and remains world-leading. However, challenges remain, as there are significant variations in equipment used, and reproducible standards of DMO screening nationally. The interphase between DRS and the hospital eye service can only be strengthened with further improvements. The role of modern technology including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and wide-field imaging, and working practices including virtual clinics and their potential in increasing clinic capacity and improving patient experiences and outcomes are discussed. Similarly, potential roles of home monitoring in diabetic eyes in the future are explored. The role of pharmacological (intravitreal injections [IVT] of anti-VEGFs and steroids) and laser therapies are summarised. Generally, IVT anti-VEGF are offered as first line pharmacologic therapy. As requirements of diabetic patients in particular patient groups may vary, including pregnant women, children, and persons with learning difficulties, it is important that DR management is personalised in such particular patient groups. First choice therapy needs to be individualised in these cases and may be intravitreal steroids rather than the standard choice of anti-VEGF agents. Some of these, but not all, are discussed in this document.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine if anaemia and oxygen delivery-related co-morbidities (ODCs) affect progression from non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) to vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using medical claims data from a large US insurer. Cohorts were created from all NPDR patients between 2002 and 2016. Primary exclusion criteria consisted of any previous diagnosis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), diabetic macular oedema (DME) or treatment used in the care of VTDR. The main outcome was a new diagnosis of VTDR (DME or PDR), PDR, or DME. A time-dependent, multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine the association between anaemia and other ODCs with NPDR progression. RESULTS: Of the total 69,982 NPDR patients included for analysis, 12,270, 2,162, and 10,322 progressed to VTDR, PDR and DME, respectively. Both mild and moderate/severe (mod/sev) anaemia were associated with an increased hazard for progression to VTDR (mild HR:1.10, 95% CI:1.04–1.16, p 1.00, p

To explore the impact of macular ischaemia on vision in diabetic macular oedema (DMO) by analysing the correlations between visual acuity and macular microvascular parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). OCTA was performed in 81 eyes of 48 patients with DMO, and 3 × 3-mm2 en face OCTA images of the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus in the central macula were retrospectively collected. Microvascular parameters including the number of microaneurysms, area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), acircularity index of FAZ, vessel density, skeleton density, vessel density index and fractal dimension were measured. Central retinal thickness (CRT) and the presence of ellipsoid zone disruption at the fovea were also recorded. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the correlations between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the microvascular parameters. After adjustment for CRT and ellipsoid zone disruption at the fovea, lower skeleton density and lower fractal dimension in the deep capillary plexus were correlated with poorer BCVA (P = 0.030 and 0.024, respectively). None of the microvascular parameters of the superficial capillary plexus were correlated with BCVA after adjustment for CRT and ellipsoid zone disruption (all, P > 0.05). For eyes with DMO, low skeleton density and low branching complexity in the deep capillary plexus of central macula were correlated with poor vision. OCTA could offer quantified parameters of macular microvasculature to measure the impact of macular ischaemia on visual acuity in DMO.

Background/objectives This post hoc analysis explores the relationship between residual oedema exposure after ranibizumab treatment initiation and long-term visual acuity outcome in eyes with centre-involved diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Subjects/methods Eyes randomised to the ranibizumab + prompt or deferred laser treatment arms in the Protocol I trial and with observed central retinal thickness (CRT) readings at baseline and ≥1 follow-up visits (n = 367) were stratified by 1) oedema duration (number of study visits with CRT ≥ 250 µm during the first 52 weeks of ranibizumab treatment); and 2) oedema extent (amount of excess CRT [≥ 250 µm] at each study visit, averaged over the first 52 weeks). Associations between measures of residual oedema and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed in multiple regression analyses. Results Oedema duration and oedema extent during the first 52 weeks of ranibizumab treatment showed significant negative associations with BCVA improvement at weeks 52, 104 and 156. Eyes with the most persistent oedema gained (mean) 4.4 (95% CI 0.1─8.7) fewer Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters at week 156 than eyes with the least persistent oedema (P = 0.044). Eyes with the greatest amount of oedema gained (mean) 9.3 (95% CI 4.0─14.5) fewer ETDRS letters at week 156 than eyes with the least amount of oedema (P Conclusions Macular oedema exposure over the first 52 weeks of ranibizumab treatment is a negative prognostic factor for long-term visual acuity improvement in centre-involved DMO.

Background: Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is effectively treated with ranibizumab but multiple injections are required. Where there is also peripheral ischaemia, it has been promoted that targeted panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) may reduce the number of injections. Method: Patients with optical coherence tomography confirmed DMO and Ultra-widefield Fundus Fluorescein Angiography confirmed peripheral retinal ischaemia were randomised to PRP plus ranibizumab or ranibizumab monotherapy. After three injections, repeat injections were given until the visual acuity was stable and the macula was dry. Re-treatment was given if there was a drop of visual acuity and/or a recurrence of intra-retinal fluid. The primary outcome was the number of repeat injections required after the first 6 months up until 1 year. Results: There were 49 patients, 25 in the ranibizumab only group and 24 in the ranibizumab + PRP group recruited at seven UK sites. The average number of injections in the ranibizumab-only arm was 6.84 over 1 year and 2.52 between months 6 and 12. The average number of injections in the combined arm was 6.67, with the number of injections in the second 6 months 1.92. For the primary outcome, comparing the number of 6- to 12-month injections, the result was not statistically significant (p = 0.33). Conclusion: The addition of targeted PRP to areas of non-perfusion in a patient with DMO does not reduce the number of injections required in the first year. It seems most likely that local VEGF at the macula is the main cause of DMO.

Objectives DRAKO (NCT02850263) is a 24-month, prospective, non-interventional, multi-centre cohort study which enroled patients diagnosed with centre-involving diabetic macular oedema (DMO). The study aims to evaluate standard of care with intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) treatment in the UK. This analysis describes the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment-naive patient cohort after 12-month follow-up. Methods Study eyes were treated with IVT-AFL as per local standard of care. The mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST) from baseline at 12 months were measured and stratified by baseline factors. The number of injections and safety data were also evaluated. Results A total of 507 patients were enroled from 35 centres. Mean (SD) baseline BCVA was 71.4 (12.0) letters and CST was 448.7 (88.7) µm, with 63.1% of patients presenting with baseline BCVA ≥ 70 letters (mean 78.1). Mean (SD) change in BCVA of 2.5 (12.2) letters and CST of −119.1 (116.4) µm was observed at month 12. A 7.3 letter gain was observed in patients with baseline BCVA

OBJECTIVES: To document and characterise hyper- and hypo-reflective lesions, which we describe as ‘granular’ on short-wavelength autofluorescence (SW-AF) and near-infrared (NIR)-AF images in diabetic macular oedema (DMO). METHODS: Consecutive 103 eyes of 78 patients suffering from centre-involving DMO were reviewed retrospectively. Mosaics of hyper- and hypo-fluorescent dots on both SW-AF and NIR-AF signals were delineated and defined as granular lesions in the macula. We evaluated the association of such lesions with the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (logMAR VA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images. RESULTS: Diffuse mosaics of hyper- and hypo-fluorescent dots were delineated in 36 and 45 eyes on SW-AF and NIR-AF images, respectively, and both AF images defined granular lesions in 33 eyes. These lesions were delineated in both the fovea and extrafoveal areas on NIR-AF images but were limited to the parafoveal and perifoveal subfields on SW-AF images. There was a significant difference in logMAR VA between eyes with and without granular lesions (0.358 ± 0.269 vs. 0.185 ± 0.234; P = 0.001). Granular lesions were associated with the mosaic pattern on NIR-AF images (P

PurposeIntraocular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels increases with the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Response of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) to ranibizumab is driven by VEGF suppression. We hypothesised that the initial reduction of central macular thickness by ranibizumab should be maximum in severe diabetic retinopathy until the levels of VEGF decreases to the levels observed in eyes with mild retinopathy.MethodsConsecutive patients with centre-involving DMO (central subfield thickness (CSFT)300 μm) who had three consecutive monthly ranibizumab injections followed by as needed therapy were included. Retinopathy status was graded as mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (G1), moderate to severe NPDR with no prior panretinal photocoagulation (G2), and treated PDR (G3).ResultsTwo hundred and thirty-nine eyes from 204 patients with a mean age of 64.9 years were included. The distribution was 31.4 G1, 32.2 G2, and 36.4% G3. Mean baseline CSFT for all eyes was 458.5±110.8 μm. Baseline CSFT for G1, G2, and G3, respectively, were 437.6±90.9, 472.3±109.8, and 464.7±124.9 μm (P=0.2155). Mean change in CSFT after three consecutive injections was 128.5±116.6 μm. The mean changes were 95.8±101.4 μm for G1, 137.2±112.9 μm for G2, and 148.9±126.9 μm for G3. The changes in CSFT between groups adjusted for baseline CSFT were statistically significant (P=0.0473). At 6 and 12 months after a mean of 4.5 and 7.7 injections, the changes between groups were no longer significant, P=0.4783 and P=0.8271, respectively.ConclusionsThe initial anatomical response of DMO with intravitreal ranibizumab injections was maximum in eyes with treated PDR, suggesting that the higher the VEGF levels, the better the response with ranibizumab.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES To investigate if the visual and anatomic response to the first dexamethasone implant (DEX) predicts the 12-month clinical outcome after shifting to fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO). METHODS Retrospective cohort study including pseudophakic patients with previously treated DMO, undergone one or more DEX injections before FAc. Functional and morphologic response to DEX was defined based on the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) changes after the first DEX, respectively. Steroid-response was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation ≥5 mmHg or IOP > 21 mmHg after any previous DEX exposure. Pairwise comparisons for BCVA, CMT, and IOP after FAc were performed with linear mixed models and a repeated-measure design. RESULTS Forty-four eyes of 33 patients were included. Patients were shifted to FAc after a mean ± standard deviation of 4.6 ± 3.2 DEX injections. Overall, BCVA and CMT improved during the first 12 months after switching to FAc (p = 0.04 and p

Purpose Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Slow-release, nonbioerodible fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implants have shown efficacy in the treatment of DMO; however, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that FAc should be used in patients with chronic DMO considered insufficiently responsive to other available therapies only if the eye to be treated is pseudophakic. The goal of this analysis was to examine treatment outcomes in phakic patients who received 0.2 μg/day FAc implant. Methods This analysis of the phase 3 FAME (Fluocinolone Acetonide in Diabetic Macular Edema) data examines the safety and efficacy of FAc implants in patients who underwent cataract extraction before (cataract before implant (CBI) group) or after (cataract after implant (CAI) group) receiving the implant. The data were further examined by DMO duration. Results Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after 36 months was comparable in the CAI and CBI groups. Both the percentage of patients gaining ≥3 lines of vision and mean change in BCVA letter score were numerically greater in the CAI group. In addition, most patients who underwent cataract surgery experienced a net gain in BCVA from presurgery baseline as well as from original study baseline. Conclusions These data support the use of 0.2 μg/day FAc implants in phakic as well as in pseudophakic patients. These findings will serve as a pilot for design of future studies to evaluate the potential protective effect of FAc implants before cataract surgery in patients with DMO and cataract.

To quantify the signal intensity of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and evaluate its association with visual function and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in diabetic macular oedema (DMO). We reviewed 103 eyes of 78 patients with DMO and 30 eyes of 22 patients without DMO. FAF images were acquired using Heidelberg Retina Angiograph 2, and the signal levels of FAF in the individual subfields of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were measured. We evaluated the association between quantified FAF and the logMAR VA and OCT findings. One hundred and three eyes with DMO had lower FAF signal intensity levels in the parafoveal subfields compared with 30 eyes without DMO. The autofluorescence intensity in the parafoveal subfields was associated negatively with logMAR VA and the retinal thickness in the corresponding subfields. The autofluorescence levels in the parafoveal subfield, except the nasal subfield, were lower in eyes with autofluorescent cystoid spaces in the corresponding subfield than in those without autofluorescent cystoid spaces. The autofluorescence level in the central subfield was related to foveal cystoid spaces but not logMAR VA or retinal thickness in the corresponding area. Quantified FAF in the parafovea has diagnostic significance and is clinically relevant in DMO.

Purpose To compare best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) after 532-nm subthreshold laser grid photocoagulation and threshold laser grid photocoagulation for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME). Patients and methods Twenty-three patients (46 eyes) with binocular DME were enroled in this study. The two eyes of each patient were divided into a subthreshold photocoagulation group and a threshold photocoagulation group. The eyes of the subthreshold group underwent 532-nm patter scan laser system (PASCAL) 50% end point subthreshold laser grid photocoagulation therapy, whereas the threshold photocoagulation group underwent short-pulse grid photocoagulation with a 532-nm PASCAL system. BCVA and CMT were assessed in all patients before treatment, 7 days after treatment, and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Results After grid photocoagulation, the mean BCVA improved in both the subthreshold group, and the threshold group, and the two groups did not differ statistically significantly from each other. Similarly, the macular oedema diminished in both groups after treatment, and the two groups did not differ statistically significantly from each other with regard to CMT. Conclusion Both 532-nm subthreshold laser grid photocoagulation and threshold laser grid photocoagulation can improve the visual acuity and reduce CMT in DME patients.

To report estimates of the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and maculopathy grades for a large cohort of patients managed by the UK hospital eye service (HES).Anonymised data were extracted from 30 UK NHS hospital trusts using a single ophthalmic electronic medical record (EMR) for the period from April 2000 to November 2010 to create the National Ophthalmology Database (NOD). From 2007, the EMR facilitated capture of a nationally agreed-upon standardised data set (DR Structured Assessment) relating to the presence or absence of clinical signs of DR and maculopathy. An algorithm in the software automatically calculated the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study grades of retinopathy and maculopathy.Between 2007 and 2010, 307,538 patients had data on the NOD, with 76,127 (24.8%) patients having been recorded as having diabetes. The proportion of patients with diabetes who had a structured assessment increased from 50.7% (2007) to 86.8% (2010). In each NHS year, 12.6-20.6% of eyes with structured assessments had no DR; 59.6-67.3% had non-proliferative DR; and 18.3-20.9% had active or regressed proliferative DR. Clinically significant macular oedema was present in 15.8-18.1% of eyes, and in 8.7-10.0% of eyes, this involved the central macula.This study provides contemporary estimates of the prevalence of retinopathy and maculopathy grades in a large cohort of patients with diabetes managed by the UK HES. Centre-involving diabetic macular oedema, potentially amenable to anti-VEGF therapy, is present in the eyes of almost 10% of these patients. This information is useful for clinicians, health-care economists, and commissioners involved in planning and delivering diabetic eye services.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the therapeutic effect of a single intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection in eyes with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) of different patterns determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Medical records of patients who had a single IVB injection for DMO were analysed retrospectively. Eyes with a clinically significant DMO and a central foveal thickness (CFT) of 250 μm or more determined by OCT were included in the analysis. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CFT and total macular volume values before and after the injection were recorded. Eyes were divided into sponge-like diffuse retinal thickening (DRT), cystoid macular oedema (CMO) and serous retinal detachment (SRD) groups according to the morphology on OCT. Results: A total of 92 eyes (42 with DRT, 31 with CMO and 19 with SRD) were included in the study. There was no statistically significant variation between three groups regarding the change in BCVA (P=0.695). CMO and SRD groups had greater reductions in their mean CFT, and the amount of reduction showed statistically significant variation between three groups (P=0.048). However, no statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of percentage of change in CFT (P=0.278). Conclusion: CMO and SRD subtypes are associated with a greater reduction in the CFT than the DRT subtype. Although the change in BCVA was not significantly different between groups, the DRT group showed markedly better visual improvement in proportion to the decrease in CFT.

Regression of early diabetic macular oedema is associated with prevention of dark adaptation

To assess the quantitative and morphological changes of the macula in response to macular grid laser for diabetic macular oedema (DMO) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).Cirrus OCT macular cube scans of 30 eyes of 25 patients were retrospectively analysed before and 4 months after macular grid laser for diffuse DMO. The oedema was quantified and response evaluated in the nine early-treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) zones of the macula. Post-laser OCT changes were compared with the baseline features, including morphology patterns, changes in both logarithmic transformed (logOCT) and standardised average macular thickness (AMT), total macular volume, number of parafoveal quadrants involved, and the presence of intact 3rd hyper-reflective band (HRB).The rate of change of retinal thickness in response to laser was maximum in the central (8.17%) and perifoveal inferior quadrants (0.04%). Diffuse retinal thickening on OCT responded best to treatment. The AMT of 300-350 μm had the worst response (+0.94%). Eyes with less than four quadrants of oedema showed good response. Disrupted HRB was associated with poor visual gain (-0.33 ETDRS letters).The topographic location of oedema on the retinal map and the morphological patterns of the oedema on OCT are useful predictors of treatment response in diffuse DMO.

Background To evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal bevacizumab injection as primary treatment of diabetic macular oedema. Material and methods Thirty eyes of 30 diabetic patients were treated with 2.5 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab injection as the primary therapy for diabetic macular oedema. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, fundus fluorescein angiography, and macular oedema map values of Heidelberg retinal tomograph II (HRT II) before and after intravitreal injection. Results The visual acuity increased in 24 of 30 eyes (80%) during a mean follow-up time of 5.6 months. The mean baseline best-corrected LogMAR value for visual acuities of the patients before intravitreal bevacizumab injection was 1.09 ± 0.23. After treatment, it was 0.90 ± 0.17 at the 1-month, 0.81 ± 0.24, at 3-month, and 0.77 ± 0.26 at the last visit examinations and the differences were significant when compared with baseline values (for each, P

To briefly review and discuss the literature on vitrectomy for diabetic macular oedema. Literature review. There is a copious literature on the subject of vitrectomy for diabetic macular oedema (DMO). The most commonly hypothesised mechanism for the potential benefit of vitrectomy is relief of vitreomacular traction; however, both transvitreal oxygenation and improved growth factor diffusion away from the premacular retina have also been suggested to be potentially beneficial effects. Other systemic and local factors including duration of oedema, extent of ischaemia and exudation, and extent of laser may result in permanent photoreceptor and capillary damage, which precludes anatomical or visual benefit. Much of the literature on the subject of vitrectomy for DMO is retrospective and uncontrolled but strongly suggestive of a benefit in terms of improved acuity and reduced macular thickness following vitrectomy. There are five published small randomised controlled trials on this subject. Taken as a whole, these studies do not suggest a benefit from surgery. Selection of patients for surgery on the basis of OCT partial vitreomacular separation or clinical signs of traction such as an epiretinal membrane or taut thickened hyaloid has been reported to be associated with a modest improvement in prospective studies but this has not been subjected to controlled study. The evidence at present suggests that vitrectomy for DMO should be restricted to those with clinical or OCT signs of traction.

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is responsible for significant visual impairment in diabetic patients. The primary cause of DMO is fluid leakage resulting from increased vascular permeability through contributory anatomical and biochemical changes. These include endothelial cell (EC) death or dysfunction, pericyte loss or dysfunction, thickened basement membrane, loss or dysfunction of glial cells, and loss/change of EC Glycocalyx. The molecular changes include increased reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory changes: advanced glycation end products, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, Complement 5–9 deposition and cytokines, which result in increased paracellular permeability, tight junction disruption, and increased transcellular permeability. Laser photocoagulation has been the mainstay of treatment until recently when pharmacological treatments were introduced. The current treatments for DMO target reducing vascular leak in the macula once it has occurred, they do not attempt to treat the underlying pathology. These pharmacological treatments are aimed at antagonising vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or non-VEGF inflammatory pathways, and include intravitreal injections of anti-VEGFs (ranibizumab, aflibercept or bevacizumab) or steroids (fluocinolone, dexamethasone or triamcinolone) as single therapies. The available evidence suggests that each individual treatment modality in DMO does not result in a completely dry macula in most cases. The ideal treatment for DMO should improve vision and improve morphological changes in the macular (eg, reduce macular oedema) for a significant duration, reduced adverse events, reduced treatment burden and costs, and be well tolerated by patients. This review evaluates the individual treatments available as monotherapies, and discusses the rationale and potential for combination therapy in DMO. A comprehensive review of clinical trials related to DMO and their outcomes was completed. Where phase III randomised control trials were available, these were referenced, if not available, phase II trials have been included.

Letter regarding correlation of retinal sensitivity measured with fundus related microperimetry to visual acuity and retinal thickness in eyes with diabetic macular oedema