Features in dynamics of macular pigment status and central retinal sensitivity in vitreoretinal surgery for diabetic macular edema

Abstract

Purpose. To identify the features of macular pigment and sensitivity of the central retina in case of vitreoretinal surgery for diabetic macular edema. Material and methods. Vitreoretinal interventions were performed in 31 patients (31 eyes) with diabetic macular edema combined with vitreomacular traction syndrome. All patients underwent the seamless closed 3-port vitrectomy with peeling of internal limiting membrane using the 25G systems. The analysis of retinal changes was carried out according to results of evaluation of optical density of macular pigment and retinal sensitivity pre- and post-operatively. Results. There was revealed a sharp decrease in the parameters of the optical density of macular pigment (ODMP) associated, apparently, with their screening in case of vitreomacular traction syndrome combined with diabetic macular edema. Vitreoretinal intervention led to an increase in the average optical density of the macular pigment by 50.24% indicating a normalization of vitreoretinal interface. Correlative analysis between the parameters of retinal sensitivity and ODMP showed an average correlation (r=-0.66, p<0.05). This indicates a decrease in the functional activity of the retina with the development of the pathologic process in the macular zone. The light sensitivity of the central retina in the examined patients averaged 7.83±0.09 dB before the suergery, and 11.66±0.11 dB (p<0.05) after the surgery. Conclusion. Vitrectomy with peeling of internal limiting membrane depending on diabetic macular edema leads to an increase of light sensitivity and normalization of macular pigment status, that pathogenetically proves an advisability of this surgical technique.

Keywords

• vitreomacular traction syndrome
• diabetic macular edema
• vitrectomy
• macular pigments
• retinal sensitivity