Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Ophthalmology

Objective: To study the effect of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in traction associated diabetic macular edema regarding central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Study design: A prospective clinical trial. Methods: 30 eyes of diabetic pateints with center involved macular edema associated with Epiretinal membrane (ERM) causing traction as detected by OCT ± biomicroscopy, received atleast 3 consecutive intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF, CMT and BCVA was measured at baseline and after 3 injections by OCT and snellen chart respectively ,iclusion criteria included naïve eyes as regarding macular treatment with CMT 270æm or more,exclusion criteria included any previous intravitreal injections or macular laser, ischemic maculopathy,dense cataract ,glaucoma any systemic contraindication for intravitreal anti-VEGF. The CMT and BCVA of the 30 eyes was used for statistical analysis to detect if there is any improvement post injections. Results: The mean baseline BCVA was 0.16±0.10 decimal units and the mean final BCVA was 0.31±0.20 decimal units, the mean baseline CMT was 477±141 æm and the final CMT was 362±97æm. After 3 IVI the final CMT and BCVA were significantly lower than baseline (P<0.001). Conclusion: Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF is not contraindicated in traction associated diabetic macular edema. Statistically significant improvement in both CMT and BCVA occurred after 3 consecutive anti-VEGF injection in these cases. P<0.001

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