Diabetic Macular Edema: Employing Inflammatory Markers to Predict Improved Visual Outcomes

Real-world outcomes with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in the treatment of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) do not always replicate those seen in clinical studies. In part, these discrepancies are due to treatment burden, lack of adherence, undertreatment, and incomplete response to anti-VEGF therapies. The identification of several inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous and vitreous humor whose concentrations correlate closely with the severity of DME defined their role in the pathogenesis of DME and as molecular targets for therapy. Corticosteroids are a rational approach for the treatment of DME due to their ability to inhibit several cytokines and chemokines, while reducing retinal neovascularization and permeability. In this CE monograph, experts in the field evaluate the significance of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the pathogenesis of DME and assess the latest clinical evidence regarding treatments that target inflammation in DME to improve visual outcomes.