Optical Coherence Tomography Features in Diabetic Macular Edema and the Impact on Anti-VEGF Response

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features and functional outcomes for diabetic macular edema (DME) undergoing treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Institutional review board-approved, retrospective, consecutive case series of eyes receiving intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg) for DME. SD-OCT features were evaluated and correlated with functional response to antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-nine eyes of 159 subjects were included in this study. Mean visual acuity improved from 20/76 to 20/58. The proportion of eyes with 20/40 or greater visual acuity increased with treatment (35% at initial visit, 51% at final visit). SD-OCT factors that were associated with functional outcomes to anti-VEGF therapy include ellipsoid zone integrity and severity of intraretinal fluid. CONCLUSION: SD-OCT features appear to provide important markers for functional response to antiVEGF therapy in DME.