Retina Biomarkers for Treatment Selection in DME - Takeaways - MDSpire

Retina Biomarkers for Treatment Selection in DME

  • By

  • Kailynn M. Barton, BS

  • Muhammad Abidi, BS

  • Rajiv M. Sastry, BA

  • John B. Miller, MD

  • May 1, 2026

  • 14 min

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  • 1

    Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss, with global prevalence projected to rise from 19 million to 29 million cases by 2045.

  • 2

    Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy is the current gold standard for treating center-involving DME, with newer agents allowing for extended injection intervals.

  • 3

    Resistance to anti-VEGF treatment occurs in approximately 40% of DME patients, prompting interest in imaging biomarkers for better treatment stratification.

  • 4

    Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is essential for assessing retinal microstructure and informs treatment planning through various biomarkers.

  • 5

    Certain OCT biomarkers, such as disorganization of retinal layers and presence of cystoid macular edema, predict visual acuity improvements with therapy.

Original Source(s)

Retina Biomarkers for Treatment Selection in DME

  • by Kailynn M. Barton, BS, Muhammad Abidi, BS, Rajiv M. Sastry, BA, John B. Miller, MD

  • May 1, 2026

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