Treatment Of Diabetic Macular Edema Research Articles

Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant (IDI) Alone and Combined with Navigated 577 nm Subthreshold Micropulse Laser (SML) for Diabetic Macular Oedema.

Background: The anatomical and functional changes after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) alone and combined with navigated subthreshold micropulse laser (NSML) in diabetic macular oedema (DMO) were compared. Methods: Patients with a clinically confirmed diagnosis of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and DMO were enrolled in this prospective study and were randomly assigned to two different treatment groups: thirty patients were treated with IDI (IDI group), and the other 30 patients received IDI combined with NSML treatment (combined IDI/NSML group). All patients during a 6-month follow-up underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) evaluation and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). The main outcome measures were: BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT); (3) choroidal vascularity index (CVI), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCHT); and time to retreatment between IDI at baseline and the second implant in both groups. Results: BCVA, CMT, and SCHT significantly decreased starting from the 1-month follow-up and CVI from 3 months in both groups. The between-group differences were significantly different from 1-month follow-up for BCVA, from 5-month follow-up for CMT and SCHT, and from 4-month follow-up for CVI. The Needed to Treat analysis indicated that six patients would have to be treated with SML after IDI in order for just one person to receive a benefit. Conclusions: the combined treatment showed good anatomical and functional outcomes for the treatment of DMO. In addition, IDI/SML seems to reduce injection frequency over time, improving patients’ quality of life and reducing the socio-economic burden.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases

In this paper, we present the main aspects of artificial intelligence application in ophthalmology for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases on the example of developing a computer system for personalizing retinal laser photocoagulation. Approaches to the automation of eye disease prediction and treatment based on fundus images are described. Four problems of applying the neural network approach are highlighted. Decision support information technology for personalizing laser treatment of diabetic macular edema and identifying prognostic factors of surgical outcome using methods of intellectual analysis of large unstructured data is described. The system allows the doctor to form a plan of optimal coagulation arrangement for retinal laser coagulation for each case, to predict the quality of laser coagulation depending on the initial data on the localization and severity of edema and to improve his skills by comparing the result of coagulation performed and the coagulation plan proposed by the system.

Controversias en el uso de metformina en el embarazo y el papel de los triglicéridos en el sobrecrecimiento fetal

Las estrategias preventivas en la vida temprana que comienzan en el útero y que reducen el riesgo de obesidad infantil son imprescindibles para detener el ciclo intergeneracional de la diabetes mellitus (DM) y las enfermedades metabólicas, incluidas la obesidad infantil y la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD). Los factores metabólicos, así como los fármacos que atraviesan la placenta, pueden crear un entorno intrauterino con profundos efectos sobre el desarrollo prenatal y una mayor susceptibilidad a enfermedades crónicas posteriores.
 En la primera parte de esta charla, analizaremos de cerca la metformina, ampliamente utilizada para tratar la DM gestacional (DMG), pero un agente en el que las concentraciones fetales son más altas que las maternas y se concentra 1000 veces en las mitocondrias fetales y placentarias debido a los transportadores de cationes orgánicos. Revisaremos la multitud de efectos intracelulares de la metformina, incluidos sus efectos anticancerígenos, sus propiedades inhibidoras del crecimiento y la su- presión de la respiración mitocondrial. También analizaremos los datos de los ECA Metformin in Gestation (MiG) y PCOS que asignaron al azar a mujeres embarazadas a metformina y que encontraron un mayor riesgo de sobrepeso infantil entre los 5 y 10 años1,2. Discutiremos cómo las propiedades de inhibición del crecimiento de la metformina parecen aumentar el riesgo de bebés pequeños para la edad gestacional (small for gestational age, SGA), también un factor de riesgo para la obesidad infantil posterior demostrado recientemente en el MiTY RCT en el que se agregó metformina a la insulina para la DM2.

Expert Panel Consensus for Addressing Anti-VEGF Treatment Challenges of Diabetic Macular Edema in Spain.

PurposeThe treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) has evolved rapidly in the past decade, highlighting the need to address the challenges of routine clinical practice decision-making through expert consensus agreements.MethodsAfter a literature review and discussion of real-world experience on DME management, a group of ten retina specialists agreed on a consensus of recommendations for the most appropriate management of DME patients using vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF) in Spain.ResultsThe panel recommended early treatment initiation in DME patients with worse baseline visual acuity (VA) to maintain or improve outcome. For patients with good VA, an observation strategy was recommended, considering the presence of diabetic retinopathy, optical coherence tomography biomarkers, and impact on patient’s quality of life. Based on the available evidence and clinical experience, the panel recommended the use of anti-VEGF intensive loading doses with the objective of achieving anatomic and visual responses as soon as possible, followed by a Treat & Extend (T&E) strategy to maintain VA improvement. Aflibercept was recommended for patients with a baseline decimal VA <0.5, followed by a T&E strategy, including the possibility to extend frequency of injections up to 16 weeks.ConclusionAn expert panel proposes a consensus for the management of DME in Spain. Early treatment initiation with anti-VEGF in DME patients is recommended to maintain or improve VA; aflibercept is recommended for patients with a poor baseline VA.

Aflibercept versus Faricimab in the Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema: A Review.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are common retinal vascular diseases responsible for most blindness in the working-age and older population in developed countries. Currently, anti-VEGF agents that block VEGF family ligands, including ranibizumab, bevacizumab (off-label use), brolucizumab, and aflibercept, are the first-line treatment for nAMD and DME. However, due to the complex pathophysiological background of nAMD and DME, non-response, resistance during anti-VEGF therapy, and relapses of the disease are still observed. Moreover, frequent injections are a psychological and economic burden for patients, leading to inadequate adhesion to therapy and a higher risk of complications. Therefore, therapeutic methods are strongly needed to develop and improve, allowing for more satisfactory disease management and lower treatment burden. Currently, the Ang/Tie-2 pathway is a promising therapeutic target for retinal vascular diseases. Faricimab is the first bispecific monoclonal antibody for intravitreal use that can neutralize VEGF and Ang-2. Due to the prolonged activity, faricimab allows extending the interval between successive injections up to three or four months in nAMD and DME patients, which can be a significant benefit for patients and an alternative to implanted drug delivery systems.

Changes of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Glycated Hemoglobin A1c in Diabetic Macular Edema Patients Treated by Ranibizumab and Aflibercept in the Tertiary Referral Hospital.

Background and Objectives: Intravitreal injections (IVI) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are guideline-indicated treatments for diabetic macular edema (DME). However, some recent data have suggested that IVI VEGF inhibitors might, through systemic absorption, lead to a reduction in renal function. Our study aims to compare changes in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between patients who received IVI ranibizumab and aflibercept treatment and patients who have not received IVI treatments. Materials and Methods: There were 17,165 DME patients with documented ophthalmology visits in the China Medical University Hospital-Clinical Research Data Repository. Those with a history of ESRD or bevacizumab treatment history, and those with missing information on HbA1c or eGFR, were excluded. After matching by age (±2 years), gender, and the year of clinical visit, 154 patients with medical treatment (including ranibizumab and aflibercept) and 154 patients without medical treatment were included in the study. The difference between HbA1c and eGFR at baseline and 3 and 12 months after the index date between the two groups was assessed. Results: Mean HbA1c and eGFR decreased between baseline and 12 months after the index date in both groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the non-treatment group, the treatment group had significantly lower HbA1c 3 and 12 months after the index date. There was no significant difference in eGFR between the two groups. In the generalized estimating equations (GEE) model, HbA1c in the treatment group was lower than the non-treatment group (−0.44%, 95% CI = −0.75, −0.14), but eGFR was similar after adjusting for age, gender, and index-year. HbA1c and eGFR decreased with the time in the adjusted GEE model (p < 0.0001) in both groups. Conclusions: This study showed that eGFR decreased with age and time and was not related to IVI anti-VEGF treatments in our tertiary referral hospital. IVI anti-VEGF therapy was also associated with better HbA1c control. It is suggested that DME patients can receive intravitreal VEGF inhibitors without inducing more renal impairment.

Glycemic Control after Initiation of Anti-VEGF Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) induces visual disturbance, and intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs are the accepted first-line treatment. We investigate its impact on glycemic control after starting VEGF treatment for DME on the basis of a questionnaire and changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). We conducted a retrospective multicenter study analyzing 112 patients with DME who underwent anti-VEGF therapy and their changes in HbA1c over two years. Central retinal thickness and visual acuity significantly improved at three months and throughout the period after initiating therapy (p < 0.0001); a significant change in HbA1c was not found. A total of 59.8% of patients became more active in glycemic control through exercise and diet therapy after initiating therapy, resulting in a significantly lower HbA1c at 6 (p = 0.0047), 12 (p = 0.0003), and 18 (p = 0.0117) months compared to patients who did not. HbA1c was significantly lower after 18 months in patients who stated that anti-VEGF drugs were expensive (p = 0.0354). The initiation of anti-VEGF therapy for DME affects HbA1c levels in relation to more aggressive glycemic control.

The Efficacy and Safety of Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Diabetic Macular Edema and Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Purpose The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) with retinal vein occlusion secondary to macular edema (RVO-ME). Materials and Methods Relevant databases were searched to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating DEX for DME and RVO-ME. The search was conducted until March 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.4.1 software after screening the literature by inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracting information, and evaluating the methodological quality of the included studies. Results The study showed that DEX treatment of RVO-ME was associated with an improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (MD = −9.08, 95% CI: −10.89–7.27, P < 0.00001) and central retinal thickness (CRT) (MD = 93.47, 95% CI: 28.55–159.39, P=0.005). DEX treatment of DME was significantly better than anti-VEGF treatment in terms of CRT reduction (MD = −72.35, 95% CI: −115.0–29.69, P=0.0009). The safety study showed that the risk of cataract from RVO-ME (OR = 5.06, 95% CI: 1.96 to 13.06, P=0.0008) and the incidence of high intraocular pressure (OR = 6.67, 95% CI: 3.46 to 12.86, P < 0.00001) were significantly higher with DEX than with anti-VEGF therapy. The risk of cataract from DME (OR = 4.70, 95% CI: 2.10 to 10.54, P=0.00022) was significantly higher with DEX than with anti-VEGF therapy (OR = 4.70, 95% CI: 2.10 to 10.54, P=0.0002). The incidence of high IOP (OR = 13.77, 95% CI: 4.96 to 38.18, P < 0.00001) was significantly higher with DEX than with anti-VEGF therapy. Conclusions In patients with DME and RVO-ME, DEX was more efficacious but slightly less safe than anti-VEGF therapy.

Expert recommendations for the management of diabetic macular edema with intravitreal dexamethasone implant: A Turkish Delphi study.

To provide consensus on the clinical use of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in Turkey. A panel of 22 retina experts prepared 77 statements of recommendation, and 80 retinal specialists practicing in Turkey were chosen to vote either in support or against each one. A Delphi-based method was used through which the ophthalmologists were able to view all of the results anonymously after two rounds and modify their subsequent answers. The survey was conducted via a mini website, and statements without consensus were resent to the specialists with the latest vote results a week later. A total of 72 ophthalmologists answered the first and second round questions. After the first stage, consensus was achieved on 55 of the statements, leaving 22 without agreement. After the second stage, consensus was reached on 11 of the remaining statements. Strong consensus was achieved on statements regarding the etiopathogenesis of DME and the first-line indications and safety of the DEX implant procedure. The panel recommended the use of DEX implant for patients with an arterial thromboembolic event in the last three months and also agreed that pro re nata DEX implant treatment not only provides better outcomes for DME patients but also reduces the treatment burden for those who could not receive an adequate number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. This study provides clinical consensus and recommendations about the use of DEX implant in the clinical practice of DME management in Turkey.

Comparison of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant and Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Injection in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema in Vitrectomized Eyes

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare posterior subtenon triamcinolone (PSTA) application and intravitreal dexamethasone phosphate (DEX) implant in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in vitrectomized eyes. Methods: This retrospective study included 64 (48.12%) patients who received PSTA and 69 (51.88%) patients who received DEX implants in DME treatment after vitrectomy. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were analyzed before injection; at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. The postinjection values were statistically compared with the preinjection value. Results: All postinjection CMT values in both groups were lower than the preinjection value (p < 0.05 for all). There were statistically significant increases in all postinjection BCVAs of the DEX group and postinjection 1-month BCVA of the PSTA group (p < 0.05 for all). However, there was no significant difference in BCVA values of the PSTA group at 3 and 6 months after injection (p > 0.05 for both). There was no statistically significant difference in all postinjection IOP values of the PSTA group (p > 0.05 for all). However, significant increases in IOP were observed in the DEX group at 1 and 3 months after injection (p < 0.05 and p = 0.02, respectively). The number of additional injections between the 3rd and 6th months after the initial injection was statistically higher in the PSTA group (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Both intravitreal DEX and PSTA administration are effective in the treatment of DME after vitrectomy. However, visual improvement persisted longer, and the need for additional injections was less in patients who received DEX.

The Narrative Medicine Approach in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: An Italian Experience

The study retraces the healthcare pathway of patients affected by diabetic macular edema (DME) through the direct voice of patients and caregivers by using a “patient journey” and narrative method approach. The mapping of the patient’s journey was developed by a multidisciplinary board of health professionals and involved four Italian retina centers. DME patients on intravitreal injection therapy and caregivers were interviewed according to the narrative medicine approach. Narratives were analyzed through a quali-quantitative tool, as set by the narrative medicine method. The study involved four specialized retina centers in Italy and collected a total of 106 narratives, 82 from DME patients and 24 from caregivers. The narratives reported their difficulty in identifying the correct pathway of care because of a limited awareness of diabetes and its complications. Patients experienced reduced autonomy due to ocular complications. In the treatment of diabetes and its complications, a multidisciplinary approach currently appears to be missing. DME reduces the quality of life of affected patients. The narrative medicine approach offers qualitative and emotional patient-guided information. The patient journey provides all of those involved in the management of DME with flowcharts to refer to, identifying the critical points in the healthcare journey of DME patients to improve the management of the disease.

Management of Diabetic Macular Edema: Guidelines from the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology.

In the United Arab Emirates, retinopathy has been shown to be present in 19% of the diabetic population, with diabetes identified in up to 40% of individuals aged over 55 years. Despite the prevalence of diabetic retinal diseases, there are no unified national guidelines on the management of diabetic macular edema (DME). These published guidelines are based on evidence taken from the literature and published trials of therapies, and consensus opinion of a representative expert panel with an interest in this condition, convened by the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology. The aim is to provide evidence-based, clinical guidance for the best management of different aspects of DME, with a special focus on vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. Treatment should be initiated in patients with best-corrected visual acuity 20/30 or worse, and/or features of DME as seen on optical coherence tomography (OCT) with central retinal thickness (CRT) of at least 300 μm or in symptomatic patients with vision better than 20/25, and/or CRT less than 300 μm where there are OCT features consistent with center-involving macular edema. The treatment of DME is effective irrespective of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and treatment must not be denied or delayed in order to optimize systemic parameters. All ophthalmic treatment options should be discussed with the patient for better compliance and expectations. Non-center-involving DME can be initially observed until progression toward the center is documented. Macular laser no longer has a primary role in center-involving DME, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy should be considered as first-line treatment for all patients, unless contraindicated. If anti-VEGF is contraindicated, a steroid dexamethasone implant can be considered for first-line treatment. Recommendations for the treatment of DME in special circumstances and in relapsing and refractory DME are also discussed.

Efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser combined with ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the visual acuity, macular volume, central macular thickness, change in number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections with micropulse laser applications after loading dose of anti-VEGF to DME patients. Retrospective study. This study was carried out on 97 patients (45 ranibizumab and 52 micropulse grid laser+ranibizumab) with diabetic macular edema patients who were followed in the Retina Unit. At the control visit after three loading ranibizumab injections administered once a month, micropulse grid laser was applied to one group and ranibizumab injection was continued PRN to both groups for an average of 9.27 ± 2.42months and central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity were recorded. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender, smoking and systemic diseases, initial central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity measurements (p > 0.05). Central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity values measured at the last follow-up of the patients were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean post-treatment injection requirement was 4.19 ± 1.01 for the ranibizumab with micropulse laser combination group and 5.53 ± 1.14 for the ranibizumab group (p < 0.001). Micropulse laser treatment after initial loading doses reduces the need for anti-VEGF injections. There is no deleterious effect on visual acuity and retinal imagings. Therefore, while combination therapy provides an effective treatment, it can also reduce the risk of complications of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Studies with the participation of more patients may help in the selection of treatment methods by comparing micropulse laser combined with different injection protocols.

Use of Bevacizumab and Aflibercept in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: Cost-effectiveness Analysis

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of aflibercept by comparison with bevacizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.Methods: The study included 159 patients; the first group consisted of 58 patients who underwent intravitreal application of aflibercept, and the second group of 101 patients underwent intravitreal application of bevacizumab.Main Findings: There was a statistically significant decrease in edema during the optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans after the application of bevacizumab (533±152 μm vs. 384±104 μm, p&lt;0.001) and aflibercept (500±110 μm vs. 354±80 μm, p&lt;0.001). Moreover, a significant increase in central visual acuity was observed both for bevacizumab (0.29±0.20 μm vs. 0.36±0.22 μm, p&lt;0.001) and aflibercept (0.40±0.30 μm vs. 0.48±0.31 μm, p&lt;0.001). Principal Conclusion: Anintravitreal application of either aflibercept or bevacizumab resulted in a significant reduction in macular edema and a significant increase in central visual acuity. Although statistically more efficient, aflibercept use can hardly be justified, due to the high cost associated with its use. Bevacizumab achieved a higher cost-effectiveness compared with aflibercept. Therefore, its use should be considered depending on various healthcare systems, as well as socio-economic factors. Key words: diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, bevacizumab, aflibercept, optical coherence tomography, visual acuity

Treat and extend protocol outcomes in diabetic macular edema: A narrative review

The objective of this study was to pool available data on change in visual acuity, number of injections, and change in central subfield thickness as reported by treat and extend (T&amp;E) regimens for diabetic macular edema (DME) compared to monthly and pro re nata (PRN) regimens. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE databases were queried for studies that met the following criteria: Retrospective or prospective design, T&amp;E regimen reported in comparison to a monthly or PRN regimen for the treatment of DME, and a 12-month follow-up period. Eighty candidate publications were screened. Sixteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, 11 of which were rejected due to their observational methods. Five studies were included in the final analysis. T&amp;E protocols for DME have been shown to be as effective as PRN or monthly treatment protocols with the added benefit of fewer office visits and minimized injection frequency.

Diabetic Macular Edema Treatment: Laser Photocoagulation Versus anti-VEGF Drugs

Abstract:&#x0D; Objective: The present study was aimed to compare best-corrected vision and central macular thickness for macular edema in diabetes (DME) after utilizing laser, Avastin, and Lucentis.&#x0D; Methods: A retrospective randomized cross-sectional study was conducted at Alfaisal Eye Center, Khartoum. Best-corrected vision and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed by Snellen's chart and Heidelberg optical coherence tomography OCT, respectively. Results: In this study, a total of 252 records of DME-treated patients with laser applications, Avastin, and Lucentis were enrolled, their mean age was 57 ± 5.22 yrs. A significant enhancement in best-corrected vision and CMT of studied groups with laser applications, Avastin, and Lucentis was obtained (P= 0.000) with no differences between treated groups (p= 0.445 and 0,479), respectively. Non-significant differences in variable measurements related to gender or age (p = 0.117, 0.781), respectively. CMT of females (260 ± 48 μm) was thinner than males (306 ± 74 μm) after treatment (P = 0.000).&#x0D; Conclusion: laser applications, Avastin, and Lucentis improved best-corrected vision and reduced central macular thickness significantly with no clear differences between studied groups. Age or gender have a non-significant impact on dependent variables. Females gained thinner results compared to males after treatment.&#x0D;

Association of Socioeconomic Health Care Disparities With Use of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Visual Acuity Outcomes in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema.

This study characterizes the impact of race, ethnicity, insurance status, and geographic location on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) use for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). This study is a retrospective cohort study. The American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight Registry was queried for patients diagnosed with DME who received at least one anti-VEGF injection between 2012 and 2020 (n = 203,707). Multivariate regression analyses investigated associations between race, ethnicity, insurance status, and geographic location and anti-VEGF use and visual outcomes. White race, non-Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and private insurance were associated with higher use of anti-VEGF injections during a 60-month period (incidence rate ratio, 1.2, 1.25, and 1.17, respectively; P < .01). Furthermore, being of non-Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and having private health insurance were associated with higher longitudinal visual acuity (odds ratio, 1.44 [P = .02] and odds ratio, 1.43 [P < .01], respectively). Ethnicity and insurance status are associated with anti-VEGF use and visual acuity outcomes in DME. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022; 53:380-391.].

Comparison between the Effect of Aflibercept (Eylea) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis) on Intraocular Pressure after 3rd Injection in Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema

Comparison between the Effect of Aflibercept (Eylea) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis) on Intraocular Pressure after 3rd Injection in Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema

Intravitrealversus Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide in Conjunction with Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose &#x0D; Aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of combined simultaneous injection of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and bevacizumab versus intravitreal bevacizumab and posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide in treatment of persistent refractory diabetic macular edema after intravitreal bevacizumab injection failure&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; 40 pseudophakic diabetic patients were enrolled in quasi experimental study conducted at ophthalmology department. All eyes were specifically diagnosed with persistent refractory diabetic macular edema with central retinal thickness of _____on OCT. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A was given simultaneous injection of intravitreal bevacizumab 1.25mg/0.05ml with posterior subtenon triamcinolone 40mg and group B was given intravitreal bevacizumab in conjunction with simultaneous intravitreal triamcinolone 2mg/0.05 ml.Patients were followed upmonthly till three months. Changes in the best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and central retinal thickness by optical coherence tomography were evaluated in both groups. Retreatment was given at 12 weeks interval whenever indicated by OCT.&#x0D; Results &#x0D; Group B showed a more significant decrease in the median CRT at 1month (p =0.0002)but after 3 months both groups showed a reduction in CRT which was not statistically significant between two groups _____. Both groups had significant improvement in BCVA compared to pre-injection baseline visual acuity.Between two groups BCVA changes were not statistically significant at 3 months _____.Five eyes in group B developed IOP beyond 22mmHg, which was treated with anti glaucoma medications within 2 weeks. No eye in group A developed IOP greater than 21mmHg. At 12 weeks, 7 of group A patients and 6 of group B patients developed recurrent macular edema and required repeated injections.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; While treating persistent refractory diabetic macular edema, posterior subtenon triamcinolone is as effective as intravitreal triamcinolone in conjunction with intravitreal bevacizumab in reducing CRT and improving and stabilizing BCVA but in terms of IOP rise posterior subtenon injection is safer as compared to intravitreal injection. Both treatments are cost effective and combined simultaneous injections decrease the number of repeated injections.

Survey of Intravitreal Injection Preferences for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Macular Edema Among Members of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association

Objectives:To analyze the current preferences of ophthalmologists for the treatment of macular edema and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to evaluate off-label use of bevacizumab in Turkey.Materials and Methods:All members of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association were contacted by e-mail to complete an anonymous, 47-question internet-based survey. The second part of the survey (questions 36-47) was evaluated.Results:When current legal regulations were considered, ophthalmologists used bevacizumab as the first-line agent in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME), AMD, and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) (58.25%, 55.89%, and 52.29%, respectively). When economic and legal constraints were disregarded, the participants’ preference for bevacizumab in the treatment of DME, AMD, and RVO decreased (11.64%, 10.58%, and 10.93%, respectively). Approximately three-quarters (75.75%) of ophthalmologists stated that dispensing multiple syringes from a single bevacizumab bottle could increase the risk of endophthalmitis. Most participants (93.68%) did not feel legally safe from harm caused by off-label bevacizumab use. However, 66.43% of ophthalmologists stated that bevacizumab is as effective as other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs.Conclusion:Bevacizumab is widely used as a first-line treatment for all indications of anti-VEGF use in the current reimbursement conditions, which preclude the right of ophthalmologists to treat according to their own preferences.