Relating Retinal Structural and Functional Parameters to Visual Acuity in Eyes Undergoing Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema

This longitudinal interventional case series will utilize the patients at the University of Michigan W.K. Kellogg Eye Center scheduled to begin treatment for diabetic macular edema. Baseline measures will be taken which include structural assessments such as circulatory capacity utilizing fluorescein angiography, in addition to retinal layer integrity and thickness using high resolution optical coherence tomography. Also, functional assessments such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, photostress recovery, dark adaptation, perimetry, and cellular fluorescence will be tested. Adverse events will be recorded and compared with historical controls to ensure that currently accepted interventions are safe. Finally, potential confounding variables for DME including those related to the eye, systemic factors, and patient demographics will be recorded to assess the influence of these variables on treatment response. The primary objective is to develop hypotheses that might better explain the retinal structural (anatomical) and/or functional (physiological) mechanisms of visual impairment in eyes receiving treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME).