Aqueous Flare and Retinal Capillary Changes in Eyes with Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

We examined 112 eyes of 112 adult-onset diabetic patients by fundus fluorescein angiography and with the laser flare cell meter (LFCM) in order to evaluate the possible correlation between retinal capillary changes and aqueous flare. Diabetic eyes were divided into the following groups: minor background diabetic retinopathy (MDR), nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with predominant capillary occlusion (ONP), nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with predominant capillary dilation and exudation (ENP) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). 108 age-matched eyes of 108 normal subjects were used as control group. Flare values (photon counts/ms) of all diabetic groups (MDR 9.01 ± 0.79, ONP 13.66 ± 3.22, ENP 16.43 ± 5.55, PDR 18.57 ± 6.99) were significantly higher than in the normal control group (4.28 ± 1.14, p < 0.0001). Significant differences were found between ONP and ENP (p = 0.008) and between ONP and PDR (p = 0.0001) but not between ENP and PDR (p = 0.4). Our results indicate that there is a correlation between aqueous flare and the type of angiographic retinal capillary changes with higher flare values in eyes with retinal capillary dilatation and exudation. Measurements with LFCM may be useful to quantify the extent and severity of capillary alterations in diabetic eyes.

Role of Inflammation in Diabetic Macular Edema

“…The sensitivity and reproducibility of this method have been confirmed by a number of studies [8,15]. Measurements were performed within 1 week before treatment.…”

“…Increased permeability of retinal and iridal vessels appears to lead to elevation of the flare value in diabetic eyes. Nguyen et al [15] demonstrated a correlation between aqueous flare values and retinal capillary changes on fluorescein angiography, and reported significantly higher flare values in eyes showing capillary dilation and exudates than in eyes without such changes. In the present study, we found that vitreous fluid levels of sICAM-1, MCP-1, PTX3 and sVEGFR-2 were significantly correlated with the aqueous flare value in DME patients.…”

Laser flare photometry and its use in uveitis

“…LFP studies have also displayed an increase in aqueous flare values in a variety of noninflammatory posterior segment disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and retinitis pigmentosa [49][50][51][52]. Flare intensity is correlated with the severity of diabetic retinopathy [52].…”

Aqueous Flare and Macular Edema in Eyes with Diabetic Retinopathy

“…Nguyen et al [18]could demonstrate that there is a correlation between aqueous flare values and the type of retinal capillary changes seen in fluorescein angiography. Eyes with capillary dilation and exudation had significantly higher flare values than eyes without.…”