Management Of Macular Edema Research Articles

Effects of repeated intravitreal bevacizumab administration on anterior segment parameters and limbal stem cells

Background: Macular edema (ME) is fluid accumulation in the macula caused by vascular leakage. Repeated intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections are extensively used to treat ME of different origins, are well tolerated, and have few side effects. This study evaluated the effects of repeated IVB injections on the anterior segment parameters and limbal stem cells (LSCs) in eyes with ME.
 Methods: This before–after study involved patients with ME of different causes who underwent repeated IVB injections at the Imam Khomeini Ophthalmology Center in Kermanshah, Iran. Before and after repeated IVB injections, anterior segment parameters were measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and the LSCs were assessed using impression cytology.
 Results: We enrolled 42 eyes of 42 patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 59.6 (7.6) years, of whom 25 (59.5%) were men and 17 (40.5%) were women. The underlying diseases included diabetic ME in 30 eyes (71.4%), central (5 [11.9%]) or branch (3 [7.1%]) retinal vein occlusion, and choroidal neovascularization in 4 eyes (9.5%). The right eye was affected in 22 (52.4%) participants. The mean (SD) number of IVB injections was 4.3 (1.3). After repeated injections, the mean central corneal thickness (CCT) increased, whereas the mean anterior chamber angle (ACA) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) decreased (all P<0.001). Three patients developed LSC deficiency after repeated IVB injections for diabetic ME.
 Conclusions: We observed a significant increase in the mean CCT and a decrease in the mean ACA and ACD after repeated IVB injections in our series. Three patients developed LSC deficiency after repeated IVB injections for diabetic ME management. The observed effect on LSC may cast doubt on the safety of repeated IVB injections; however, this finding must be verified in multicenter clinical trials with longer follow-up periods and larger study samples.

Proteome Analysis of Bevacizumab Intervention in Experimental Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Bevacizumab is a frequently used inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the management of macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Studying retinal protein changes in bevacizumab intervention may provide insights into mechanisms of action. In nine Danish Landrace pigs, experimental CRVO was induced in both eyes with argon laser. The right eyes received an intravitreal injection of 0.05 mL bevacizumab (n = 9), while the left control eyes received 0.05 mL saline water (NaCl). Retinal samples were collected 15 days after induced CRVO. Label-free quantification nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified 59 proteins that were regulated following bevacizumab treatment. Following bevacizumab intervention, altered levels of bevacizumab components, including the Ig gamma-1 chain C region and the Ig kappa chain C region, were observed. Changes in other significantly regulated proteins ranged between 0.58-1.73, including for the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain (fold change = 1.73), protein-transport protein Sec24B (fold change = 1.71), glycerol kinase (fold change = 1.61), guanine-nucleotide-binding protein G(T) subunit-gamma-T1 (fold change = 0.67), and prefoldin subunit 6 (fold change = 0.58). A high retinal concentration of bevacizumab was achieved within 15 days. Changes in the additional proteins were limited, suggesting a narrow mechanism of action.

A comparative study of macular thickness measurements using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography before and after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus and their age matched controls

Patients with diabetes mellitus who undergo cataract surgery can be prone for macular edema post-operatively.Aimof this study wasto compare macular thickness in diabetics and non-diabetics, pre and post cataract surgery using SD-OCT. A Cohort study of 50 diabetic and 50 non-diabetic cataract patients who presented to ophthalmology out patient department, aged 50–70 years underwent macular thickness assessment using SD–OCT pre and post cataract surgery.The macular thickness showed a steady increase with time in non-diabetics and diabetics seen at baseline, 1 week post operative and 6 weeks post op. But the mean difference in diabetics was higher with a statistical significance(p<0.05).OCT is a noninvasive investigation which can differentiate between diabetic macular edema and postoperative cystoid macular edema. Preoperative assessment of macular thickness will be useful in the management of macular edema in both conditions, thus improving visual prognosis post cataract surgery.

An Update on Suprachoroidal Corticosteroid Injections in the Management of Macular Edema

An Update on Suprachoroidal Corticosteroid Injections in the Management of Macular Edema

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in the management of macular edema: A review of the literature.

Macular edema (ME) is a vision-threatening condition that commonly develops as a consequence of ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinal vaso-occlusion of the central retinal vein and its branches, diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, pseudophakia, ocular trauma, and drug toxicity. The treatment of ME remains challenging, although steroids and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors are available. Cost-effective therapy using a noninvasive administration route is required. This study aimed at reviewing the role of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) in the management of ME. A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar for studies from January 2000 to March 2022. The following keywords were used in various combinations: "macular edema", "carbonic anhydrase", "carbonic anhydrase inhibitors", "acetazolamide", "dorzolamide", and "brinzolamide". Articles with high or medium clinical relevance were selected for this review. We found that multiple studies have demonstrated the relevance and efficacy rates of CAIs in the management of ME. Most published studies focused on acetazolamide and dorzolamide, with nearly all studies reporting therapeutic responses. ME is the leading cause of vision loss and requires noninvasive and cost-effective pharmacotherapy. With progress in the understanding of ME, particularly the role of carbonic anhydrase as a key driver, CAIs are the focus of research. Further optimization of the choice of CAIs and retinal bioavailability, potentially with nanoparticle formulations, is required to enable the effective management of ME. Further research is warranted to address the therapeutic effects of CAIs in different formulations.

Ultra Flexible Nanocarrier for Enhanced the Ocular Delivery of Quercetin in Management of Macular Edema

Quercetin (Que) and its derivatives are naturally taking place phytochemicals with promising bioactive belongings. The antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-Alzheimer’s, antiarthritic, cardiovascular, and wound-healing possessions of Que have been extensively investigated, as well as its anticancer commotion against different cancer cell lines has been newly reported. Que and its derivatives are found predominantly in the Western starve yourself, and people might benefit from their defensive effect just by taking them via diets or as a food enhancement. Bioavailability-related drug-delivery systems of Que have also been markedly exploited, and Que nanoparticles become visible as a promising proposal to enhance their bioavailability. The present review aims to make available a brief overview of the therapeutic things, new insights, and forthcoming perspectives of Que. Plants and plant parts are used for its aroma, flavor, or therapeutic properties. There are a number of recompense associated with using plants and plant phytoconstituents as contrasting to pharmaceutical merchandise.

Emerging therapies in the management of macular edema: a review.

Macular edema (ME) is a major complication of several vascular and inflammatory retinal diseases. Multiple mechanisms are implicated in its development and lead to visual impairment that could be reversible (the acute stages) or not reversible (long-standing ME). For this reason, an effective approach to the treatment of ME is of paramount importance in order to prevent irreversible damage of visual function. In this review, we discuss the management of ME and, in particular, current data of studies and clinical trials about drugs that have already been evaluated or are under investigation in the management of ME. Although several diseases could lead to the development of ME, we focus on the three main causes: diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and uveitis. The introduction into clinical practice of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (ranibizumab and aflibercept) and dexamethasone implants has revolutionized the treatment of ME secondary to DR and RVO. However, new drugs are needed in the treatment of resistant forms of ME secondary to DR and RVO. A fluocinolone acetonide implant has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diabetic ME but not for RVO. Furthermore, brolucizumab and abicipar pegol have been shown to be effective in preliminary studies and have the chance to be approved soon for diabetic ME treatment. In ME secondary to uveitis, a crucial role is played by corticosteroids and non-biologic immunomodulatory drugs. However, several new biologic agents are under investigation in different clinical trials and could be important new therapeutic options in cases with a low response to first-line therapy. However, only a few of these drugs will enter the market after proving their safety and efficacy. Only after that will we be able to offer a new therapeutic option to patients affected by uveitic ME.

The Role of Steroids in the Management of Macular Edema from Retinal Vein Occlusion

Aim: To analyze the effectiveness of intravitreal injection of an anti-VEGF agent (ranibizumab) and an dexametazon implant for the intravitreal injection, in real clinical life.Patients and Methods. 137 patients with MO due to retinal venous occlusion were included in the study. Patients were retrospectively divided into groups: patients who received monotherapy with ranibizumab 94 people; and monotherapy with dexamethasone implant — 15 patients; patients who initially were injected with a dexamethasone implant, but due the study transferred to ranibizumab 15 patients; patients who initially received ranibizumab, but then transferred to the dexamethasone implant -13. For the treatment of macular edema were used an anti-VEGF agent — ranibizumab (Lucentis) 0.05 ml (0.5 mg) manufactured by Novartis (Switzerland) or glucocorticosteroid — dexamethasone implant for intravitreal injection of 0.7 mg (Ozurdex) manufactured by Allergan Pharmaceutical Ireland (Ireland). The injections were administered on a pro re nata basis (the presence of macular edema). Standard ophthalmological examination and fluorescent angiography (PAG), optical coherent tomography (OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) were used. Visual acuity changes (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were analyzed depending on the study group (group 1–4), the duration of treatment and the number of injections. Results: In group 1, from 1 to 8 IVVs were performed in 24 months, an average of 3.77. In group 2, from 1 to 4 intravitreal injections were performed in 24 months, an average of 1.37. In group 3, from 1 to 2 of intravitreal injections Ozurdex and from 1 to 4 intravitreal injections of ranibizumab for 24 months. In group 4, from 1 to 4 intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drug and from 1 to 4 intravitreal dexamethasone implant were performed in 24 months of follow-up. Monotherapy with the Ozurdex drug (12 months) had the most stable effect, with a relapse of the process, repeated injections were required, conducted only in 3 out of 15 patients. Conclusion: In real clinical practice, the dexamethasone implant showed a good safety profile and high efficacy in the resorption of macular edema in patients with retinal vein occlusion, which corresponds to the clinical trials that was made earlier.

Comparative study between ranibizumab and aflibercept in the management of macular edema caused by diabetes mellitus in age group more than 40 years

Background Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common cause of blindness and visual impairment in diabetic patients, which can affect the quality of life. Aflibercept and ranibizumab are used as intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections; both of them have a relatively safe effective treatment of DME.Aim of the work To compare the effect of aflibercept and ranibizumab in the management of DME.Patients and methods A prospective invasive and nonrandomized study, including 20 eyes in 20 patients, more than 40 years old, was conducted in Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, with three times injections 1 month apart. Eyes were divided into two groups: group A included 10 patients who received ranibizumab 0.5 mg (0.05 ml of 10 mg/ml solution) as an intravitreal injection, and group B included 10 patients who received aflibercept 2 mg (0.05 ml of 40 mg/ml solution) as an intravitreal injection. Follow-up period was 4 months.Results A statistically significant improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness with ranibizumab was reported over the follow-up period. There was also a statistically significant improvement of BCVA, central macular thickness, and intraocular pressure over the follow-up visits with aflibercept. Ranibizumab was more effective in BCVA correction and in the reduction of central macular thickness than aflibercept.Conclusion Both ranibizumab and aflibercept are effective in improving the BCVA and in the reduction of central macular thickness. Ranibizumab is more effective for BCVA correction and in the reduction of central macular thickness than afliberceptRecommendations Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of ranibizumab and aflibercept intravitreal injection on the central macular thickness and intraocular pressure.

Changes in central Macular Thickness after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification in Diabetic versus Non-Diabetic Patients using optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Aim: - The aim of this study is to compare central macular thickness changes after un complicated phacoemulsification in diabetic versus Non diabetic patients by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patient and Methods: This prospective comparative randomized study included 50 eyes who were scheduled for cataract surgery by phacoemulsification in ophthalmic department, Sohag university Hospital ,in period from March 2016 to June 2017.These patients were divided into two main groups ,Group1 includes 25 eyes for diabetic patints and Group 2 includes 25 eyes for non diabetic patients. A comparison between two groups was done.The following was done for each patient in this study Detailed history including age,gender, presence of diabetes and its duration,history of previous ocular surgery,history of previous treatment in diabetic patients.. .Conclusion: Our results suggest that Diabetes influences the central macular thickness in diabetic pateints, who are more liable to changes in central macular thickness after cataract surgery even if uncomplicated OCT is valuable, non invasive , reproducible device to detect Pre&Post operative changes in macular thickness and it represents the single most important diagnostic and prognostic tool in management of macular oedema .

Therapies for Macular Edema Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

To evaluate the available evidence on the ocular safety and efficacy of current therapeutic alternatives for the management of macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Literature searches were last conducted on January 31, 2017, in PubMed with no date restrictions and limited to articles published in English, and in the Cochrane Database without language limitations. The searches yielded 321 citations, of which 109 were reviewed in full text and 27 were deemed appropriate for inclusion in this assessment. The panel methodologist assigned ratings to the selected studies according to the level of evidence. Level I evidence was identified in 10 articles that addressed anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pharmacotherapies for ME, including intravitreal bevacizumab (5), aflibercept (2), and ranibizumab (4). Level I evidence was identified in 6 studies that examined intravitreal corticosteroids, including triamcinolone (4) and the dexamethasone implant (2). Level I evidence also was available for the role of macular grid laser photocoagulation (7) and scatter peripheral laser surgery (1). The inclusion of level II and level III studies was limited given the preponderance of level I studies. The number of studies on combination therapy is limited. Current level I evidence suggests that intravitreal pharmacotherapy with anti-VEGF agents is effective and safe for ME secondary to BRVO. Prolonged delay in treatment is associated with less improvement in visual acuity (VA). Level I evidence also indicates that intravitreal corticosteroids are effective and safe for the management of ME associated with BRVO; however, corticosteroids are associated with increased potential ocular side effects (e.g., elevated intraocular pressure, cataracts). Laser photocoagulation remains a safe and effective therapy, but VA results lag behind the results for anti-VEGF therapies.

Anti-Vegf in Management of Macular Edema in Retinal Disease

Abstract Aim. To present new opportunities, clinical implications and benefits of the available VEGF therapy as a treatment of macular edema, which is a result of venous vascular occlusions, diabetic macular edema in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Background. The pathophysiology of macular edema is complex and various processes are involved in its development. It is actually an abnormal retinal capillary permeability and a disorder in the blood retinal barrier, which only increases the vascular permeability. This causes an expansion of the extracellular spaces, which leads to fluid accumulation, which additionally leads to macular thickening and eventual vision loss. Methods. The studies included 40 patients, of whom17 was diagnosed with macular edema in diabetic retinopathy and were treated with anti-VEGF therapy. Also, there were 11 patients diagnosed with wet form of AMD, and 12 cases diagnosed with macular edema secondary to vein occlusion. This retrospective study of 18 months monitored the effects of visual acuity on Snellen chart and the effects of macula anatomy using Optical Coherent tomography /OCT/. All patients received intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab /Avastin/ of 1.25mg /0.04ml/ and were evaluated monthly or every 4 to 8weeks. We monitored the potential ocular and systematic side effects in all our cases. Results. In the first group which included patients with edema due to venous vascular occlusion improvement of visual acuity in 58.33% patients, 25.0% showed no change in visual acuity and 16.66% showed slight worsening of 0.029 and regression of CMT entirely to 393.22 after 4.6 intravitreal injections on average. In the second group there was no improvement of VA 0.172 and reducing central macular thickness for 218.34μm by 5.6 intravitreal applications. The third group, 17 patients with macular edema due to diabetic retinopathy had stabilization of visual acuity, i.e. slight improvement in 8 of them by 0.14; and, in 9 and improvement of 0.21 and regression CMT, an average of 174.3 μm. Although it has been shown that benefit of intravitreal use of Bevacizumab and improvement of visual acuity has not been always change hand in hand with the reduction of macular edema, the need for this kind of treatment in certain cases are needed to maintain stable CMT and VA in such patients. Conclusion. Over the last few years monoclonal antibodies have become a standard therapy in treatment of wet form of AMD. Switch on anti-VEGF drugs has shown significant results in clinical and visual out-comes in patients with changes of the macula as a result of other disease. In fact, they caused a revolution in the treatment of refractory macular edema.

Management of macular oedema in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery.

The aim of this study was to describe all the treatment modalities used to prevent and manage macular oedema in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery. Topical NSAIDs have been proposed to be an effective strategy to prevent postsurgical macular oedema (PME) in diabetic patients. The prophylactic use of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) drugs and steroids in these patients, even if effective, brings some concerns with regard to possible side effects. By contrast, in patients with a diagnosis of diabetic macular oedema (DME) at the time of cataract surgery, intravitreal therapy, both with anti-VEGF drugs and steroids, appears to be the best approach in order to control PME and achieve a good visual outcome. All diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery should be treated with topical NSAIDs to prevent PME. Intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs and steroids, combined with cataract surgery, should be reserved for patients with preexisting DME.

The Role of NSAIDs in the Management of Macular Edema.

The Role of NSAIDs in the Management of Macular Edema.

Update in the Management of Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusions.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal vascular disease classified according to the anatomical location of the occlusion in central (CRVO) or branch (BRVO) retinal vein occlusion. RVO is an important cause of visual loss worldwide and frequently results in visual impairment and ocular complications. Major causes of vision loss in BRVO and CRVO include macular edema (ME), capillary non-perfusion, and neovascularization, causing glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage and/or tractional retinal detachment.[1-4] Macular edema is the leading cause of decreased central visual acuity in RVO.[5] Recently, there was a paradigm shift in the treatment of ME due to RVO with the advent of new pharmacotherapy treatment strategies and combination therapies. This paper reviews the current thinking and discusses the evidence behind the emerging treatment options for ME following RVO, including laser photocoagulation, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), intravitreal corticosteroid-based pharmacotherapies, and surgical management.

Efficacy and Safety in Retinal Vein Occlusion Treated with at Least Three Consecutive Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implants.

Purpose. To evaluate the effects of repeated intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DI) (Ozurdex®) in eyes with macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods. Multicenter observational study including patients who received more than three consecutive DI on an “as-needed” basis for the treatment of ME in RVO. Results. A total of 18 eyes were included for analysis. Mean interval of retreatment with DI was 5.1 months between the first and second DI and 5.4 months following the second DI. Baseline BCVA was 0.74 ± 0.08 log-Mar; it significantly improved to 0.45 ± 0.04 2 months after the 3rd DI. There was no significant difference between the 3 first postinjection BCVA. CMT decreased from 617 μm ± 120 μm (baseline) to 330 ± 109 μm two months after the third DI. Elevated intraocular pressure occurred in 50% and was controlled medically. Cataract progression leading to cataract surgery occurred in 69% of phakic eyes after a mean interval of 17 months. Conclusion. Repeated DI on an “as-needed” basis, with a retreatment interval <6 months, are effective in the long term in the management of ME due to RVO. Rates of increased intraocular pressure and cataract surgery seem to be higher than previously described when eyes were followed during a longer period.

Clinical Trials in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disorder. The management of macular edema has changed considerably over time. The laser is considered the gold standard treatment for over two decades. However, visual recovery with laser is usually slow and incomplete. The advent of intravitreal agents, specifically anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) have heralded a new era which promises rapid recovery of vision and quality of vision. Randomized clinical trials have reported optimal results with anti-VEGF agents (ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept) compared to laser therapy or steroids. However, nearly 50% of the patients require repeat intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy up to 4 years after initiating therapy to sustain the visual gains. The adverse events (systemic and ocular) of these agents are minimal. Monotherapy with anti-VEGF agents have been found to provide better results than any combination with laser. This review article summarizes evidence from randomized controlled trials evaluating treatment options for the treatment of macular edema secondary to BRVO with a special focus on anti-VEGF therapy.

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant for macular edema following retinal vein occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion is a major cause of vision loss worldwide, second only to diabetic retinopathy among retinal vascular disorders. A novel bioerodable corticosteroid implant composed of 0.7 mg dexamethasone designed for in-office injection has recently been approved for the treatment of macular edema resulting from retinal vein occlusion, a major mechanism for decreased vision in the condition. Following a single injection, subjects in the Phase III clinical trial achieved three lines of visual acuity improvement significantly faster than subjects who received sham injection. Following repeat injection 6 months later, subjects achieved similar gains with manageable levels of increased intraocular pressure and cataract development. The dexamethasone intravitreal implant is an important option in the management of macular edema following retinal vein occlusion.

Expounding newer vistas in VEGF

Expounding newer vistas in VEGF

Diabetic retinopathy management by Australian optometrists

To survey the current diabetic retinopathy screening and management practices of Australian optometrists following the release of the 1997 National Health Medical Research Council Diabetic Retinopathy Management Guidelines. Cross-sectional national survey, primary care setting. 1000 Australian optometrists across different states. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 1000 optometrists across all states during 2007/2008. Use of retinal camera, screening practices/attitudes and behaviour in diabetic retinopathy management. 568 optometrists (57%) responded to the survey. Patients' unpreparedness to drive post dilation (51%) and the fear of angle closure glaucoma (13%) were the two main barriers to optometrists not performing dilated ophthalmoscopy. Those who had strong desire to screen for diabetic retinopathy were more likely to use a retinal camera (p<0.005). Use of a retinal camera was significantly associated with an increased confidence in detecting clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy including macular oedema (P<0.001). Optometrists who read the guidelines at least once were 2.5-times (P<0.001) more likely to have confidence in detecting macular oedema than those who had never read the guidelines. Although they may be confident in diagnosis, and may use retinal cameras for screening, nearly 60% of optometrists would not refer patients with macular oedema to an ophthalmologist. Despite their self-reported desire for involvement in diabetic retinopathy, the management of macular oedema by Australian optometrists needs improvement. The use of retinal cameras and promotion of the 2008 NHMRC guidelines should be encouraged to improve overall optometric diabetic retinopathy management, particularly with macular oedema.