STRUCTURAL OCT BIOMARKERS OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY PROGRESSION: ROLE OF CSME AND DRIL IN PREDICTING VISUAL OUTCOMES
Main Article Content
Keywords
Diabetic Retinopathy, DRIL, CSME, Visual Acuity, OCT, GMC Palakkad.
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of vision loss worldwide. [1,2] Structural changes such as clinically significant macular edema (CSME) and disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL), detectable by optical coherence tomography (OCT), have emerged as important biomarkers in predicting visual outcomes. Understanding their distribution across DR stages and their combined impact on visual acuity can enhance clinical decision-making. [3,4]
Aims
To evaluate the prevalence of CSME and DRIL in patients with diabetic retinopathy, assess their distribution across different DR stages, and analyze their correlation with visual acuity.
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College (GMC), Palakkad, from November 2024 to April 2025. A total of 100 diabetic retinopathy patients were included based on clinical diagnosis and OCT findings. DR severity was graded according to standard fundus examination criteria. OCT was used to assess the presence of CSME and DRIL. Visual acuity was measured using Snellen's chart. Data were tabulated and analyzed to explore the distribution of DRIL and CSME in different DR stages and to assess their correlation with visual acuity.
Results
Out of 100 patients, CSME was present in 34%, and DRIL in 31%, with increasing prevalence in severe NPDR and PDR stages. Around 20% of patients had both CSME and DRIL. Among these, 85% exhibited moderate to severe visual acuity loss (≤6/36). DRIL and CSME were more frequently associated with advanced DR stages and poorer visual function.
Conclusion
The presence of DRIL and CSME correlates strongly with disease severity and visual acuity in diabetic retinopathy. Their identification through OCT imaging offers valuable prognostic insights and can aid in individualized treatment planning for diabetic patients at risk of vision loss.
References
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Dr. Smitha M
Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Palakkad, Kerala, India.
Dr. Devika K
Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Palakkad, Kerala, India.