Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of bromfenac, nepafenac and diclofenac sodium for the prevention of cystoid macular edema after phacoemulsification

AIM： To compare the efficacy, tolerability and safety of bromfenac 0.09%, nepafenac 0.1% or diclofenac 0.1% for the prophylaxis of the cystoid macular edema（CME） after phacoemulsification. METHODS： Group sequential observational comparative study. After phacoemulsification, patients received two months for topical treatment of either diclofenac sodium, bromfenac or nepafenac. All patients received concomitant topical tobramycin 0.3% and topical prednisolone 1%. We measured CME using optical coherence tomography（OCT） central foveal thickness, macular thickness and total macular volume. RESULTS： We enrolled 243 patients from January to June 2015, and 35% received diclofenac, 32.9% bromfenac and 32.1% nepafenac. When we compared pre-operative to three weeks to two months, bromfenac was more effective in reducing foveal volume（21.3 and 35.4 mm3, respectively）, compared with the diclofenac（1.3 and 11.5 mm3, respectively）, and the nepafenac group, became more edematous 6.4 and 5.3, respectively. Totally 133 patients completed the post-surgical satisfaction questionnaire. Patients complained of eye stickiness in 13.8% whom we gave nepafenac, versus 10.3% whom we gave diclofenac sodium, and in 0 whom we gave bromfenac. CONCLUSION： Bromfenac is the best tolerated and is more effective than diclofenac and nepafenac in reducing CME after phacoemulsification.

Foveal regeneration after resolution of cystoid macular edema without and with internal limiting membrane detachment:presumed role of glial cells for foveal structure stabilization

AIM: To document with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography the morphological regeneration of the fovea after resolution of cystoid macular edema(CME) without and with internal limiting membrane(ILM) detachment and to discuss the presumed role of the glial scaffold for foveal structure stabilization. METHODS: A retrospective case series of 38 eyes of 35 patients is described. Of these, 17 eyes of 16 patients displayed foveal regeneration after resolution of CME, and 6 eyes of 6 patients displayed CME with ILM detachment. Eleven eyes of 9 patients displayed other kinds of foveal and retinal disorders associated with ILM detachment. RESULTS: The pattern of edematous cyst distribution, with or without a large cyst in the foveola and preferred location of cysts in the inner nuclear layer or Henle fiber layer(HFL), may vary between different eyes with CME or in one eye during different CME episodes. Large cysts in the foveola may be associated with a tractional elevation of the inner foveal layers and the formation of a foveoschisis in the HFL. Edematous cysts are usually not formed in the ganglion cell layer. Eyes with CME and ILM detachment display a schisis between the detached ILM and nerve fiber layer(NFL) which is traversed by Müller cell trunks. ILM detachment was also found in single eyes with myopic traction maculopathy, macular pucker, full-thickness macular holes, outer lamellar holes, and glaucomatous parapapillary retinoschisis, and in 3 eyes with Müller cell sheen dystrophy(MCSD). As observed in eyes with MCSD, cellophane maculopathy, and macular pucker, respectively, fundus light reflections can be caused by different highly reflective membranes or layers: the thickened and tightened ILM which may or may not be detached from the NFL, the NFL, or idiopathic epiretinal membranes. In eyes with short single or multiple CME episodes, the central fovea regenerated either completely, which included the disappearance of irregularities of the photoreceptor layer lines and the reformation of a fovea externa, or with remaining irregularities of the photoreceptor layer lines. CONCLUSION: The examples of a complete regeneration of the foveal morphology after transient CME show that the fovea may withstand even large tractional deformations and has a conspicuous capacity of structural regeneration as long as no cell degeneration occurs. It is suggested that the regenerative capacity depends on the integrity of the threedimensional glial scaffold for foveal structure stabilization composed of Müller cell and astrocyte processes. The glial scaffold may also maintain the retinal structure after loss of most retinal neurons as in late-stage MCSD.

Incidence of cystoid macular edema after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

AIM： To determine the incidence of cystoid macular edema（CME） after Descemet＇s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty（DSAEK）.METHODS： This study included all consecutive patients operated in a Spanish tertiary reference hospital over a period of four years. A total of 55 eyes from 47 patients matched the selection criteria. CME was diagnosed clinically at the slit-lamp and confirmed by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS： Six cases of CME were diagnosed postoperatively, which represented an incidence of 11%. Three patients had previously undergone DSAEK alone（7%; 3/41） and the other three, DSAEK combined with phacoemulsification（21%; 3/14）. Five out of six patients with CME responded to standard therapy.CONCLUSION： CME is a possible complication after DSAEK and can be treated with standard therapy. CME appears more frequently when DSAEK is combined with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber（PC） intraocular lens（IOL） implantation. Intraoperative damage to the corneal endothelial cells might play a role in the pathogenesis of CME. As long as the causes remain unclear, we recommend administering prophylaxis when risk factors are present or when combined surgery is planned.

Efficacy of topical dorzolamide 2% in diabetic cystoid macular edema

AIM:To study the effect of topical dorzolamide 2%on macular thickness reduction in diabetic cystoid macular edema(CME).METHODS:This was a prospective,non-randomized,open study including eyes with diabetic macular edema(DME).All eyes received topical dorzolamide 2%three times daily for one month.Changes in best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),and central macular thickness(CMT)by optical coherence tomography were evaluated at 1 wk,1,and 3 mo post-treatment.RESULTS:Ninety-three eyes(84 patients)were included.Mean±SD(log MAR)BCVA improved significantly from 1.08±0.26 pretreatment to 0.66±0.24 at 1 mo and 0.87±0.26 at 3 mo post-treatment(P<0.001 both).The mean±SD CMT was significantly reduced from 535.27±97.4μm at baseline to 357.43±125.8μm at 1 mo and 376.23±114.5μm at 3 mo post-treatment(P<0.001 both).No significant ocular or systemic side effects were recorded.CONCLUSION:Topical dorzolamide 2%results in significant improvement of mean BCVA and reduction of mean CMT at 3 mo post-treatment.It can be used as an effective,affordable,and safe therapy for treatment of nonrefractory diabetic CME.

Effect of nepafenac 0.1% on retinal thickness after cataract surgery in patients without risk factors for cystoid macular edema

AIM:To evaluate the effect of topical preoperative nepafenac 0.1%treatment on postoperative macular edema using optical coherence tomography(OCT)after uncomplicated cataract surgery.METHODS:Ninety eyes of 90 patients without any risk factors were included in the study.The patients were assigned to three groups:group 1,treated with topical prednisolone acetate 1%;group 2,treated with topical nepafenac 0.1%in addition to prednisolone acetate(1%);and group 3,those who started receiving nepafenac 0.1%treatment 3 d prior to surgery and continued the treatment postoperatively in addition to prednisolone acetate(1%).Central retinal thickness(CRT)and macular volume values were recorded using OCT at weeks 3 and 6.RESULTS:The increases in macular volume in the central 1 mm area after 3 and 6 wk were significantly lower in patients who used prophylactic topical nepafenac preoperatively(group 3)compared with those in group 1(P=0.028 and 0.008,respectively).No significant differences in the increase in macular volume and CRT were noted between groups 2 and 3(P>0.05).In group 1,the increases in macular volume in the central 3 mm area at weeks 3 and 6 were significantly higher than that in group 2 and 3(3rd week,P=0.004;6th week,P=0.005).CONCLUSION:Nepafenac 0.1%treatment in addition to topical steroids after uncomplicated cataract surgery reduce the increase in macular volume in the early postoperative period.

Insights into the pathogenesis of cystoid macular edema: leukostasis and related cytokines

Cystoid macular edema(CME) is the abnormal collection of intraretinal fluid in the macular region, especially in the inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers. CME leads to severe visual impairment in patients with various retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusion, choroidal neovascularization, and uveitis. Although various retinal conditions lead to CME, a shared pathogenesis of CME is involved in these diseases. Accordingly, the pathogenesis of CME based on vasogenic mechanisms is first discussed in this review, including vascular hyperpermeability, leukostasis, and inflammation. We then describe cytotoxic mechanisms based on retinal Müller cell dysfunction. This comprehensive review will provide an understanding of the pathogenesis of CME for potential therapeutic strategies.

Combined Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty and intravitreal dexamethasone implant for concomitant pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and cystoid macular edema

Dear Editor,Endothelial cell density decreases with age and in various ocular conditions,including corneal endotheliitis,uveitis,pseudoexfoliation syndrome,and birth injury(1)The reduction of endothelial cell density is exacerbated over time after intraocular surgery(1)Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty(DSAEK)is considered the primary procedure for patients with only endothelial dysfunction.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Complicated by Cystoid Macular Edema:Report of Two Cases

Purpose: Selective laser trabeculoplasty,a relatively novel treatment for open angle glaucoma,is frequently associated with mild post-operative intraocular inflammation. Methods: We report two uncommon cases of cystoid macular edema within a few weeks of routine selective laser trabeculoplasty. Results:Visual acuities and macular thicknesses of the two cases returned to baseline after medical treatment,but in one case, the cystoid macular edema persisted for months. Conclusion:Cystoid macular edema after selective laser trabeculoplasty is fortunately a rare complication, but it might be more common in patients with predisposing factors, and it can be resistant to treatment.

Effect of aflibercept combined with triamcinolone acetonide on aqueous humor growth factor and inflammatory mediators in diabetic macular edema

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of aflibercept combined with sub-tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide(TA)in treating diabetic macular edema(DME)and to examine changes in growth factors and inflammatory mediator levels in aqueous humor after injection.METHODS:Totally 67 DME patients(67 eyes)and 30 cataract patients(32 eyes)were enrolled as the DME group and the control group,respectively.The DME group was divided into the aflibercept group(34 cases)and the aflibercept combined with TA group(combined group,33 cases).The aqueous humor of both groups was collected during the study period.The aqueous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-8(IL-8),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)were detected using a microsphere suspension array technology(Luminex 200TM).Aqueous cytokines,best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central macular thickness(CMT),and complications before and after treatment were compared between the aflibercept group and combined group.RESULTS:The concentrations of VEGF,MCP-1,IL-6,and IL-8 in the aqueous humor were significantly higher in the DME group than those of the control group(all P<0.01).After 1mo of surgery,the concentrations of VEGF,MCP-1,IL-6,and IL-8 in the aqueous humor were significantly lower in the combined group than those of the aflibercept group(all P<0.01).The BCVA and CMT values of the two groups were statistically different after 1 and 2mo of treatment(P<0.01).However,the difference was not statistically significant after 3mo of treatment(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:The cytokines VEGF,MCP-1,IL-6,and IL-8 in the aqueous humor of DME patients are significantly increased.Aflibercept and aflibercept combined with TA have good efficacy in DME patients,can effectively reduce CMT,improve the patient’s vision,and have high safety.Aflibercept combined with TA can quickly downregulate the aqueous humor cytokines and help to relieve macular edema rapidly.However,the long-term efficacy is comparable to that of aflibercept alone.

Intravitreal injection of conbercept for diabetic macular edema complicated with diabetic nephropathy

AIM:To observe the therapeutic effect of conbercept on diabetic macular edema(DME)complicated with diabetic nephropathy(DN).METHODS:In this retrospective study,54 patients(54 eyes)that diagnosed as DME from January 2017 to October 2021 were collected.The patients were divided into two groups:DME patients with DN(25 eyes),and DME patients without DN(29 eyes).General conditions were collected before treatment,laboratory tests include fasting blood glucose,HbA1c,microalbumin/creatinine,serum creatinine.Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to check the ellipsoidal zone(EZ)and external limiting membrane(ELM)integrity.Central macular thickness(CMT),best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),and retinal hyperreflective foci(HF)as well as numbers of injections were recorded.RESULTS:There were significant differences between fasting blood glucose,HbA1c,serum creatinine,urinary microalbumin/creatinine,and estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)between the two groups(all P<0.05).EZ and ELM continuity in the DME+DN group was worse than that in the DME group(P<0.05).BCVA(logMAR)in the DME group was significantly better than that in the DME+DN group at the same time points during treatment(all P<0.05).CMT and HF values were significantly higher in the DME+DN group than that in the DME group at the all time points(all P<0.05)and significantly decreased in both groups with time during treatment.At 6mo after treatment,the mean number of injections in the DME+DN and DME group was 4.84±0.94 and 3.79±0.86,respectively.CONCLUSION:Conbercept has a significant effect in short-term treatment of DME patients with or without DN,and can significantly ameliorate BCVA,CMT and the number of HF,treatment efficacy of DME patients without DN is better than that of DME patients with DN.

Dexamethasone implant in naive versus refractory patients with diabetic macular edema:a Meta-analysis

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intravitreal dexamethasone implant in naive and refractory patients with diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS:PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Medline databases were searched.The main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central retinal thickness(CRT).The secondary outcomes included mean number of injections,intraoperative or postoperative complications including intraocular pressure(IOP)elevation and cataract.RESULTS:Ten comparative studies involving a total of 1000 DME eyes including 402 naive eyes and 598 refractory eyes were selected.The postoperative BCVA in the naive group was significantly better than in the refractory group[mean difference(MD)-0.11,95% confidence interval(CI)-0.17 to-0.05,P=0.0003;MD 8.69,95%CI 5.08 to 12.30,P<0.00001].Additionally,the naive group got greater improvement of BCVA change as well as more gains of BCVA letters than the refractory group[MD 7.71,95%CI 2.02 to 13.40,P=0.008;odds ratio(OR)2.99,95%CI 2.05 to 4.37,P<0.00001].The subgroup analysis revealed that the naive group had significantly higher BCVA gains of≥5,≥10,and≥15 letters compared to the refractory group(P=0.002,0.0001,0.003,respectively).No significant difference was detected between the two groups in either postoperative CRT(MD-22.36,95%CI-46.39 to 1.66,P=0.07)or the overall mean number of injections(MD-0.08,95%CI-0.38 to 0.22,P=0.61).Intraoperative and postoperative complications including the elevation of IOP(OR 0.47,95%CI 0.20 to 1.13,P=0.09)and cataract(OR 1.78,95%CI 0.97 to 3.24,P=0.06)showed no significant differences between the two groups during the follow-up time.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal dexamethasone implants for DME can improve anatomical and functional outcomes in both naive and refractory eyes and have a well-acceptable safety profile.Moreover,naive eyes maintain better visual outcomes than refractory eyes.It provides further evidence of better visual response when used for naive eyes as firstline therapy.

Effectiveness of intravitreal ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema in vitrectomized versus non-vitrectomized eyes:a Meta-analysis

AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab(IVR)for diabetic macular edema(DME)in vitrectomized versus non-vitrectomized eyes.METHODS:The PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,Cochrane,EBSCO were comprehensively searched for studies comparing vitrectomized and non-vitrectomized eyes with DME.Clinical outcomes of best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central macular thickness(CMT),the mean number of intravitreal injection and adverse events were extracted and analyzed.RESULTS:Six studies involving 641 eyes were included.Final visual gain significantly improved and CMT significantly reduced in vitrectomized eyes at 6mo and 12mo visits(P<0.05).Although the mean reduction in CMT among non-vitrectomized eyes was significantly greater than in vitrectomized eyes at the 6mo[mean difference(MD)=53.57,95%confidence interval(CI):28.03 to 78.72,P<0.0001]and 12mo(MD=49.65,95%CI:19.58 to 79.72,P=0.01),no significant difference was detected in improvement in BCVA at either 6mo(MD=0.05,95%CI:-0.02 to 0.13,P=0.14)or 12mo(MD=0.03,95%CI:-0.04 to 0.09,P=0.43).Injection number of ranibizumab in non-vitrectomized eyes was significantly less than that in vitrectomized eyes during 6-month period(MD=0.60,95%CI:0.16 to 1.04,P=0.008),while there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups during 12mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION:Evidence from current study suggests that IVR was useful for both vitrectomized group and nonvitrectomized group with DME.Although less reduction in macular thickness is found in vitrectomized group,visual improvement between two groups is similar.

Impact of COVID-19-related lifestyle changes on diabetic macular edema

AIM:To assess diabetic macular edema(DME)progression during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic,when severe societal restrictions raised the concern of possible deterioration of health in patients with systemic conditions,particularly those requiring frequent office visits.METHODS:This is a multicenter retrospective chart review of 370 patients(724 eyes)with an established diagnosis of DME seen on 3 separate visits between January 2019 and July 2021.Period 1 was January 2019 to February 2020(considered pre-COVID-19),period 2 was March 2020 to December 2020(considered the height of the pandemic;highest level of pandemic-related clinical and societal regulations)and period 3 was January 2021 to July 2021(re-adjustment to the new“pandemic norms”).Main outcome measures included visual acuity,body mass index(BMI),blood pressure(BP),hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c),macular thickness,patient adherence to scheduled ophthalmology visits,and DME treatment(s)received at each visit.To facilitate measurement of macular thickness,each macula was divided into 9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study(ETDRS)-defined macular sectors as measured by OCT imaging.RESULTS:There was no change of BMI,systolic BP,and diastolic BP between any of the time periods.HbA1c showed a very small increase from period 1(7.6%)to period 2(7.8%,P=0.015)and decreased back to 7.6%at period 3(P=0.12).Macular thickness decreased for 100%of macular regions.The central macular thickness decreased across all 3 periods from 329.5 to 316.6μm(P=0.0045).After analysis of multiple variables including HbA1c,BMI,adherence to scheduled appointments,different clinic centers,and treatment interventions,there was no easily identifiable subgroup of patients that experienced the increase in DME.CONCLUSION:DME doesn’t worsen during the COVID-19 pandemic,instead sustaining a very small but statistically significant improvement.While identifying a mechanism behind our findings is beyond the scope of this study,potential explanations may include a delay in retinal changes beyond our study period,an unexpected increase in treatment frequency despite pandemic restrictions,and an unanticipated pandemic-related improvement in some lifestyle factors that may have had a positive impact on DME.

Dexamethasone implant for refractory macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy,timing of retreatment and safety of dexamethasone(DEX)implant on macular edema(ME)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DME)and retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME)patients who were refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment.METHODS:This retrospective study included 37 eyes received at least one DEX implant treatment for DME or RVO-ME between January 1,2019,and January 1,2023.These refractory DME and RVO-ME cases received at least 5 anti-VEGF injections and failure to gain more than 5 letters or a significant reduction in central retinal thickness(CRT).The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and CRT were measured at baseline,and at 1,3,4 and 6mo post-DEX implant injection.Adverse events such as elevated intraocular pressure(IOP)and cataract were recorded.RESULTS:For RVO cases(n=22),there was a significant increase in BCVA from 0.27±0.19 to 0.35±0.20 at 6mo post-DEX injection(P<0.05)and CRT decreased from 472.1±90.6 to 240.5±39.0μm at 6mo(P<0.0001).DME cases(n=15)experienced an improvement in BCVA from 0.26±0.15 to 0.43±0.20 at 6mo post-DEX implant injection(P=0.0098),with CRT reducing from 445.7±55.7 to 271.7±34.1μm at 6mo(P<0.0001).Elevated IOP occurred in 45.9% of patients but was well-controlled with topical medications.No cases of cataract or other adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION:DEX implants effectively improve BCVA and reduce CRT in refractory DME and RVO-ME.Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

Effects of vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane peeling in patients with diabetic macular edema

BACKGROUND Diabetic macular edema(DME),a chronic microvascular complication of diabetes,is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness.Pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)can restore the normal macular structure and reduce macular edema,whereas internal limiting membrane(ILM)peeling is used to treat tractional macular diseases.Despite the advantages,there is limited research on the combined effects of PPV with ILM peeling.AIM To observe the effects of PPV combined with ILM peeling on postoperative central macular thickness(CMT),best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),cystoid macular edema(CME)volume,and complications in patients with DME.METHODS Eighty-one patients(92 eyes)diagnosed with DME at the Beijing Shanqu Liangxiang Hospital between January and December 2022 were randomly divided to undergo PPV alone(control group:41 patients,47 eyes)or PPV+ILM peeling(stripping group:40 patients,45 eyes);a single surgeon performed all surgeries.The two groups were compared preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.RESULTS Preoperatively,both groups had comparable values of CMT,BCVA,and CME volume(P>0.05).After surgery(both 1 and 3 months),both groups showed significant reductions in CMT,BCVA,and CME volume compared to preoperative levels,with the stripping group showing more significant reductions compared to the control group(P<0.05).Further repeated-measures ANOVA analysis for within-group differences revealed significant effects of group and time,and interaction effects for CMT,BCVA,and CME volume(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications between the groups(retinal detachment:control=2,stripping=1;endophthalmitis:Control=4,stripping=1;no cases of secondary glaucoma or macular holes;χ^(2)=0.296,P=0.587).CONCLUSION PPV with ILM peeling can significantly improve the visual acuity of patients with DME,reduce CMT,and improve CME with fewer complications.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs combined with laser photocoagulation maintain retinal ganglion cell integrity in patients with diabetic macular edema: study protocol for a prospective, non-randomized, controlled clinical trial

The integrity of retinal ganglion cells is tightly associated with diabetic macular degeneration that leads to damage and death of retinal ganglion cells,affecting vision.The major clinical treatments for diabetic macular edema are anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs and laser photocoagulation.However,although the macular thickness can be normalized with each of these two therapies used alone,the vision does not improve in many patients.This might result from the incomplete recovery of retinal ganglion cell injury.Therefore,a prospective,non-randomized,controlled clinical trial was designed to investigate the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs combined with laser photocoagulation on the integrity of retinal ganglion cells in patients with diabetic macular edema and its relationship with vision recovery.In this trial,150 patients with diabetic macular edema will be equally divided into three groups according to therapeutic methods,followed by treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs,laser photocoagulation therapy,and their combination.All patients will be followed up for 12 months.The primary outcome measure is retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness at 12 months after treatment.The secondary outcome measures include retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness before and 1,3,6,and 9 months after treatment,retinal nerve fiber layer thickness,best-corrected visual acuity,macular area thickness,and choroidal thickness before and 1,3,6,9,and 12 months after treatment.Safety measure is the incidence of adverse events at 1,3,6,9,and 12 months after treatment.The study protocol hopes to validate the better efficacy and safety of the combined treatment in patients with diabetic macula compared with the other two monotherapies alone during the 12-month follow-up period.The trial is designed to focus on clarifying the time-effect relationship between imaging measures related to the integrity of retinal ganglion cells and best-corrected visual acuity.The trial protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University with approval No.(2023)(26)on April 25,2023,and was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration number:ChiCTR2300072478,June 14,2023,protocol version:2.0).

Aflibercept combined with triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of diabetic macular edema:optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography

AIM:To analyze the relationship between optical coherence tomography(OCT)and OCT angiography(OCTA)imaging in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME)who are treated with a combination of aflibercept and triamcinolone acetonide(TA).METHODS:A total of 76 eyes newly diagnosed DME were included in this study.They were randomly assigned to receive either aflibercept or a combination of aflibercept and TA.Injections once a month for a total of three injections.Central macular thickness(CMT),number of hyperreflective foci(HRF),height of subretinal fluid(SRF),and area of foveal avascular zone(FAZ)were evaluated using OCT and OCTA at baseline and after each monthly treatment.RESULTS:Both groups showed improvement in best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and reduction in macular edema after treatment,and the difference in BCVA between the two groups was statistically significant after each treatment(P<0.05).The difference in CMT between the two groups was statistically significant after the first two injections(P<0.01),but not after the third injection(P=0.875).The number of HRF(1mo:7.41±8.25 vs 10.86±7.22,P=0.027;2mo:5.33±6.13 vs 9.12±8.61,P=0.034;3mo:3.58±3.00 vs 6.37±5.97,P=0.007)and height of SRF(1mo:82.39±39.12 vs 105.77±42.26μm,P=0.011;2mo:36.84±10.02 vs 83.59±37.78μm,P<0.01;3mo:11.57±3.29 vs 45.43±12.60μm,P<0.01)in combined group were statistically significant less than aflibercept group after each injection,while the area of FAZ showed no significant change before and after treatment in both groups.CONCLUSION:The combination therapy of aflibercept and TA shows more significant effects on DME eyes with decreased HRF and SRF.However,both aflibercept and combination therapy show no significant change in the area of FAZ.

Bilateral macular edema secondary to nab-paclitaxel therapy for breast cancer

Dear Editor,Nanoparticle albumin bound(nab)–paclitaxel is a member of the taxane agents that has been proven efficient and widely applied in breast cancer as well as other kind of cancers.The taxane-induced macular edema has been recognized as an uncommon side effect which might regress after the drug withdraw.Here we presented our case as a rarely observed macular edema secondary to nab–paclitaxel therapy as follows.The consent from the patient was achieved and the research was approved by the Ethics Committee of Xijing Hospital(KY20202009-C-1).

Evaluation of systemic risk factors in different optical coherence tomographic patterns of diabetic macular edema

AIM： To elucidate the relationship between systemic risk factors and different patterns of diabetic macular edema（DME） determined with optical coherence tomography（OCT）. METHODS： In this cross-sectional study, DME was classified by OCT as diffuse retinal thickness（DRT）, cystoid macular edema（CME） and serous retinal detachment（SRD） and the relationship between the systemic risk factors and DME patterns was evaluated. RESULTS： Of the 57 patients with DME, 21（36.8%） had DRT, 24（42.1%） had CME and 12（21.0%） had SRD. Microor macro-albuminuria was significantly higher in the DRT pattern（61.9%） compared with the SRD（50.0%） and CME patterns（25.0%; P=0.040）. Hemoglobin A1 c（Hb A1 c） level was significantly higher and patients were younger in the DRT pattern group（P=0.034, P=0.032）. Best corrected visual acuity was the worst and central macular thickness was the thickest in the CME pattern group. CONCLUSION： Micro-or macro-albuminuria may be more frequent and Hb A1 c level may be higher in patients with DRT. These patients are also seen to be younger than patients with non-DRT.

Prevalence of and risk factors for diabetic macular edema in a northeastern Chinese population

AIM:To estimate the prevalence of diabetic macular edema(DME) and clinically significant macular edema(CSME),and to assess their risk factors in a population with type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM) located in northeast China.METHODS:Patients were included from the Fushun Diabetic Retinopathy Cohort Study(FS-DIRECT),a community-based study conducted in northeast China.The presence of DME and CSME was determined by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study(ETDRS) retinopathy scale of fundus photographs.The age-standardized prevalence of DME and CSME was estimated.The association between DME/CSME and risk factors was analyzed in a multivariate Logistical analysis.RESULTS:A total of 292(15.4%) and 166(8.8%) patients were diagnosed as DME and CSME,yielding the age and sex standardized prevalence of 13.5%(95%CI:11.9%-15.0%),and 7.1%(95%CI:5.9%-8.3%),respectively.Female patients had a higher prevalence of DME compared to their male counterparts(15.7% vs 10.4%,P=0.03).Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that younger age,insulin use,proteinuria,longer duration of diabetes,and higher glycosylated hemoglobin A1c,were associated with the prevalence of DME and CSME.Patients with higher fasting plasma glucose,systolic blood pressure,and blood urea nitrogen were also found to be associated with DME.CONCLUSION:Early fundus screening in diabetic patients is invaluable and given the relatively high prevalence of DME and CSME in this study cohort,those with a high risk of sight threatening maculopathy would invariably benefit from earlier detection.