Vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema may reduce retinal thickening

The Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network conducted this prospective study to evaluate visual and anatomic outcomes after vitrectomy performed without concomitant cataract surgery in 87 eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) and vitreomacular traction. At six months, almost half of the patients experienced a reduction in OCT central subfield thickness to <250 microns, and most eyes had a reduction of thickening of at least 50 percent. Visual acuity improved by 10 or more letters in 38 percent of patients, while 22 percent experienced worsening by 10 or more letters. Complication rate was low and similar to previous reports.