Evaluation of the Vascular Density, the Area of Foveal Avascular Zone, and Corrected Vision in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema after Anti-VEGF Therapy

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in macular superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP and DCP) density, Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) area, and visual acuity in patients with diabetic macular edema after anti-VEGF therapy.

This descriptive-analytical study utilized before and after treatment design. In total, 30 eyes of 30 patients with diabetic macular edema were investigated in this study. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) images were taken at baseline (before injections) and at visits after injections (30 days after injections). The patients were treated with intravitreal injection of Avastin (Bevacizumab) with a dose of 2.5 mg per month. Macular vessel density of the SCP and DCP, as well as FAZ area were measured in each OCTA. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured at baseline visit and at last visit (30 days after the third injection).

The mean age of patients was 57.33 years. Vessel density in SCP, DCP, and FAZ area were found to be significantly different before and after one, two, or three intravitreal injections (P<0.001). However, vessel density was not found to be significantly different in SCP, DCP, and FAZ area among one, two, or three intravitreal injections (P>0.05). Moreover, BCVA was not significantly different before and after intravitreal injections (P>0.05).

In this study, macular vessel density and FAZ area statistically changed following the intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab; however, they were unchanged among three injections. In addition, the BCVA remained unchanged before and after treatment. Anti-VEGF effect on macular perfusion may cause a direct change in the micro vascular flow.