Infrared reflectance image-guided laser photocoagulation of telangiectatic capillaries in persistent diabetic macular edema

This study aimed to assess detection rate of telangiectatic capillaries (TelCaps) with infrared reflectance (IR) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of IR image-guided focal laser photocoagulation of TelCaps in persistent diabetic macular edema (DME). This retrospective case series included 28 eyes of 28 patients with TelCap and persistent DME refractory to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or corticosteroids. The presence of TelCaps was confirmed using IR and OCT images. All patients were followed up for more than 12 months after direct focal laser photocoagulation of the TelCaps. The TelCap closure rate, changes in best-corrected visual acuity, and central subfield thickness were analyzed. On IR imaging, TelCap appeared as a characteristic hyperreflectivity within a hyporeflective spherical lesion in 85.7% of the eyes. After focal laser photocoagulation, the TelCap closure rate was 57.1% at 3 months and 71.4% at 12 months. A significant improvement in visual acuity and reduction in central subfield thickness were observed at three and 12 months after focal laser photocoagulation (all p < 0.05). The characteristic hyperreflectivity within hyporeflective lesions on the IR image in conjunction with OCT helps identify the TelCap. Our results suggest that IR imaging and OCT-guided focal laser photocoagulation of TelCaps can improve functional and anatomical outcomes in persistent DME.

Efficacy of Subthreshold Photocoagulation for Persistent Diabetic Macular Edema After Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Background Subthreshold photocoagulation is one of the therapeutic options for treating diabetic macular edema, and have characteristic advantages, which are the lack of chorioretinal damage and the repeatability of the treatment. However, the effect of subthreshold photocoagulation is thought to be minimal among these options. In this study, we retrospectively examined the efficacy of repeated subthreshold photocoagulation for persistent diabetic macular edema after vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane. Methods We enrolled ten consecutive eyes of eight patients who underwent monthly Endpoint Management™ (EpM) six times for diabetic macular edema that persisted for more than 3 months after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane, and classified according to the interval between vitrectomy and initial EpM (Group A: within 6 months, Group B: beyond 6 months). Two type of retinal thickness (central macular thickness and macular thickness within 3mm diameter of the fovea) were measured monthly using optical coherence tomography. Results Mean intervals between vitrectomy and initial EpM were 4.0 ± 1.2 months (range 3–6 months) in Group A (six eyes of five patients) and 17.3 ± 7.5 months (range 10–27 months) in Group B (four eyes of four patients). No other treatments were performed between vitrectomy and initial EpM in Group A, while triamcinolone acetonide injection in the sub-Tenon’s capsule was performed in two eyes in Group B (one eye was injected thrice, the other eye received a single injection). Improvement rates of mean central macular thickness after 6 months were 18.2% in all eyes, 10.8% in Group A, and 28.7% in Group B, and improvement rates of mean macular thickness within 3mm diameter of the fovea after 6 months were 8.5% in all eyes, 4.1% in Group A, and 15.3% in Group B. Conclusions Monthly EpM treatment was efficacious against persistent diabetic macular edema after internal limiting membrane peeling. In particular, the efficacy was greater in eyes in which the initial EpM was performed more than 6 months after vitrectomy. Furthermore, residual efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide, which was injected at the end of vitrectomy, might have contributed to the results.

Discontinuous to continuous therapy for persistent diabetic macular edema leads to reduction in treatment frequency

Objective: To evaluate, in the setting of persistent diabetic macular edema, the impact that continuous fluocinolone acetonide delivery has on treatment burden, visual acuity, central retinal thickness, and intraocular pressure. Materials and methods: A single-center, retrospective, cohort study of patients with persistent diabetic macular edema, previously treated with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections, dexamethasone implants, or focal laser, who were subsequently treated with fluocinolone acetonide was conducted. All retinal visits were analyzed prior to fluocinolone acetonide, until the most recent follow-up visit. Primary outcomes were pre– and post–fluocinolone acetonide changes in the best-corrected visual acuity and number of treatments required for diabetic macular edema. Secondary outcomes included changes in the central retinal thickness and intraocular pressure. Results: A total of 19 eyes with persistent diabetic macular edema were included and followed for a mean (SD) of 399.3 (222.9) days. Post–fluocinolone acetonide, the mean best-corrected visual acuity improved by 0.4 ETDRS letters for all eyes ( p = 0.895) and the central retinal thickness decreased by 34.2 µm ( p = 0.077). After fluocinolone acetonide, the number of treatments decreased from an average of one treatment every 2.7 months to one every 6 months ( p = 0.009). Furthermore, post–fluocinolone acetonide, 10/19 eyes (52.6%) did not require additional treatment due to a dry macula, and those who did experienced a non-statistically significant reduction of treatments, from one every 2.6 months pre–fluocinolone acetonide, to one every 2.8 months post–fluocinolone acetonide ( p = 0.622). Conclusions: In the setting of persistent diabetic macular edema, fluocinolone acetonide significantly reduces the therapeutic burden, while maintaining best-corrected visual acuity and improving the central retinal thickness. In patient-centered discussions, judiciously employing fluocinolone acetonide should be performed to mitigate this therapeutic burden for patients.