Fluid aspiration from intraretinal cysts for refractory diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE:To report the surgical outcome of fluid aspiration in intraretinal cysts as a novel treatment approach for the refractory cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with diabetic retinopathy.METHODS:This retrospective consecutive case series examined eight patients with refractory CME who underwent intraretinal cyst fluid aspiration using a 38-gauge subretinal infusion needle during pars plana vitrectomy. We reviewed changes in central retinal thickness (CRT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central sensitivity among patients followed up for 12 months post-surgery.RESULTS:CRT on optical coherence tomography (m) significantly improved at 12 months post-surgery (308 ± 99) compared to before surgery (480 ± 141) (P < 0.005). During the follow-up period, CME relapsed in one eye. The BCVA (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) at 12 months post-surgery (0.23 ± 0.32, Snellen equivalent: 20/50) was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA (0.39 ± 0.29, Snellen equivalent: 20/63) (P < 0.01). The mean deviation value of central sensitivity did not significantly change between preoperative (-2.5 ± 2.1) and postoperative (-2.2 ± 2.2) assessments (P = 0.07).CONCLUSIONS:Fluid aspiration in intraretinal cysts may be a treatment option for refractory CME in eyes with diabetes.