Response of OCT Biomarkers Based on New Diabetic Macular Edema Classification TCED-HFV to Anti-VEGF Therapy and Its Prognostic Role in Vision Benefits

Abstract

Introduction. To investigate the association between OCT biomarkers and visual prognosis, based on TCED-HFV,and to explore whether these biomarkers have predictive value in visual prognosis of DME patients.Methods. The retrospective study included 166 eyes from 122 DME patients, who received 3 initial monthly intravitreal injections followed by PRN dosing. Results. The significant improvement of BCVA, as well as statistical decrement of CMT and HF, could be observed(p < 0.001, P=0.023, P=0.002, respectively). The BCVA in early and advanced DME is significantly better than that in severe DME in baseline (P=0.027, P=0.009, respectively) and 1 year (P=0.017, P=0.030, respectively). The broken EZ/ELM was generally accompanied by the existence of SF (P=0.032). The presence of DRIL and persistence SF were associated with negative visual effects (P＜0.001, P=0.045, respectively). At month 12 the mean BCVA was significantly improved in both intact and disrupted EZ/ELM groups (P=0.023, P=0.033, respectively). The number of the DME patients with ERM increases after treatment (P＜0.001).Conclusions. Intact EZ/ELM, the absence of DRIL and ERM might contribute to better response in patients. The persistence SF was a negative factor. Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy was associated with ERM development and progression. It is not objective to consider only the OCT biomarkers but not the stages, and the indicators of different stages should be studied separately.