Disorganization of Retinal Inner Layers in Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with a Dexamethasone Implant

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between visual acuity (VA) and the disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) after use of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: The clinical records of 25 patients with DME treated with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant were reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography data were analyzed from each visit. Results: The BCVAs at 1 month and 3 months after treatment were statistically significant with respect to the baseline BCVA of DME patients (p = 0.021, p < 0.001, respectively); however no statistically significant change was evident at the 6 months follow-up (p = 0.062). Also, the DRIL degree at 1 month and 3 months after treatment was statistically significant with respect to baseline DRIL ( p = 0.034, p < 0.001); however, there was no statistically significant change at 6 months after treatment (p = 0.052). The BCVA at 6 months after treatment was positively and significantly correlated with the baseline BCVA (p < 0.001, R-2 = 0.705), CRT (p = 0.032, R-2 = 0.308), and DRIL extent (p = 0.024, R-2 = 0.201). Conclusions: The BCVA in patients after treatment with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant for DME was related to the change in the CRT after treatment. The baseline BCVA and change in the DRIL may be important indicators for predicting VA improvement in DME.