Influence of Diabetes on Macular Thickness Measured Using Optical Coherence Tomography: Iraqi Study
Abstract
Background: DMO refers to the thickening of the central retina and is linked to long-term vision loss of individuals suffering from DR. Newly, the use of intravitreal injections of antiangiogenic medications has been explored as a potential method to enhance vision in individuals with MO resulting from DR. OCT utilizes optical reflectivity to visualize retinal thickness and structure, producing both cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of the macula. It is already extensively utilized due to its ability to offer an objective and quantitative evaluation of MO, in contrast to the subjective nature of fundus biomicroscopic assessment, which is commonly employed by ophthalmologists as an alternative to photography. OCT is additionally utilized for the quantitative monitoring of the treatment effects on CSMO. The operation of OCT is analogous to ultrasound B-mode imaging, except that light is used instead of acoustic waves. In this study, we used OCT to quantify retinal thickness in DM patients who do not exhibit maculopathy & patients with various degrees of DR with MO. We evaluated the validity of OCT measurements of macular thickness for evaluating the existence of MO. We also evaluated the relationship between the retinal thickness at the central fovea and BCVA. Purpose: To assess impact of DM on macular thickness as evaluated through OCT in a population-based sample. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 205 diabetic patients participated; 110 with MO & 95 have no MO, all underwent full ophthalmic examination, with VA, refraction, fundus examination and then send for OCT examination& HbA1C. Results: The age of diabetic participants was range from 20-79 years, with 53.7% females and 46.3% males. Diabetic participants with moderate or severe DR with MO had greater macular thickness compared with those with no DR. Conclusion: In summary, our findings offer population-based data that will aid in interpreting macular thickness values in individuals with diabetes. We have demonstrated that measurements of macular thickness are increased in cases of DMO.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmed Rassol Noori, Akeel Hadi Taher
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