Single intravitreal aflibercept injection results in morphological, functional changes in DME
After a single intravitreal injection of aflibercept in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME), reductions in macular edema and improvements in retinal sensitivity, fixation stability, and visual acuity were noted.
Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and MP-3 microperimetry, researchers compared outcomes, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, in 42 eyes of 28 patients before and after treatment with intravitreal injection of aflibercept.
BCVA was significantly better, and CRT was significantly lower, after treatment. There was no significant change in FAZ area, superficial retinal capillary plexus, and vessel density of deep retinal capillary plexus after treatment. In addition, mean light sensitivity and 4° fixation rate were significantly higher after treatment.
“A single intravitreal injection of aflibercept effectively reduces macular edema and improves retinal sensitivity, fixation stability, and visual acuity, possibly without causing significant changes in the retinal vascular condition in a short time,” the authors concluded.
Reference
Zhang CH, Gong B, Huang C, et al. Morphological and functional changes in the macular area in diabetic macular edema after a single intravitreal injection of aflibercept. Int J Ophthalmol. 2023;16(1):88-94. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2023.01.13. PMID: 36659946; PMCID: PMC9815978.