Our Summary

This study aimed to test how safe and effective a particular treatment is for a condition called diabetic macular edema (DME) which has not responded to previous non-surgical treatments. The treatment involves a surgical procedure called vitrectomy (removal of the jelly-like substance that fills your eye) combined with the insertion of a dexamethasone (a type of steroid) implant (brand name Ozurdex).

The researchers followed patients who had this treatment for over a year, tracking their visual acuity (sharpness of vision) and the thickness of the macula (a part of the eye important for sharp, central vision) as well as any changes in eye pressure.

They found that, on average, patients’ vision improved and the thickness of their macula was reduced. Most of the patients (73%) did not require additional implants during the follow-up period.

The study concludes that this treatment could be a safe and effective option for patients with DME that has not responded to other treatments.

FAQs

  1. What is a vitrectomy and how does it relate to the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME)?
  2. What were the results of the study on the effectiveness of vitrectomy combined with a dexamethasone implant for DME?
  3. Did the patients require additional implants after the initial treatment in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and reporting any unusual symptoms or changes in vision immediately. It is also important to maintain regular eye exams to monitor for any potential complications or changes in the condition.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vitrectomy include those with conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) that have not responded to other non-surgical treatments. Other conditions that may warrant a vitrectomy include severe retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreous hemorrhage, and certain cases of floaters or vitreous opacities. Ultimately, the decision to undergo a vitrectomy procedure should be made in consultation with an ophthalmologist or retinal specialist based on the individual patient’s specific condition and medical history.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  • Patient may have undergone non-surgical treatments for diabetic macular edema (DME) that were ineffective
  • Patient may have experienced worsening vision and thickening of the macula

After vitrectomy:

  • Patient undergoes vitrectomy surgery, where the jelly-like substance in the eye is removed
  • Dexamethasone implant is inserted during the surgery
  • Over the course of a year, patient’s vision improves and macular thickness decreases
  • Most patients do not require additional implants during follow-up period
  • Study concludes that vitrectomy with dexamethasone implant could be a safe and effective treatment option for DME that has not responded to other treatments

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vitrectomy and the insertion of a dexamethasone implant?
  2. How long is the recovery period after undergoing a vitrectomy procedure?
  3. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or follow-up procedures after the vitrectomy?
  4. How long can I expect the effects of the dexamethasone implant to last?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make or precautions I should take after the procedure to ensure the best outcome?
  6. How will this treatment impact my overall eye health in the long term?
  7. Are there any specific factors that could affect the success of this treatment for my individual case?
  8. What alternatives to vitrectomy and dexamethasone implant insertion are available for treating DME?
  9. How experienced are you in performing vitrectomy procedures for conditions like DME?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources to help me better understand the procedure and its potential benefits and risks?

Reference

Authors: Jung YH, Lee Y. Journal: Acta Diabetol. 2019 Jun;56(6):691-696. doi: 10.1007/s00592-019-01305-w. Epub 2019 Mar 1. PMID: 30824977