Clinical Scorecard: DME AWARE Study Defines Key Needs

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• 60% of patients remain untreated one year after DME diagnosis.
• Consensus on the need for noninvasive treatment options.
• Early intervention preferred over invasive therapies for mild DME.
• Poor response to treatment defined as less than 10% reduction in CST.
• Emphasis on intraretinal fluid for monitoring DME.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Detection of DME can occur before the presence of fluid.

Management

• Consider noninvasive treatments for early-stage DME.
• Use visual function to define non-response to treatment.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Assess intraretinal fluid as a key biomarker in DME.

Risks

• Invasive therapies may be deferred due to risk-benefit concerns.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with diabetic macular edema, particularly those with mild or early-stage disease.

Current reliance on anti-VEGF injections may contribute to treatment gaps.

Clinical Best Practices

• Prioritize early intervention to prevent functional decline.
• Encourage adherence to treatment plans.

References

• Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema: pathophysiology, screening, and novel therapies
• Prevalence, demographics, and treatment characteristics of visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema
• Effect of initial management with aflibercept vs laser photocoagulation vs observation
• Early and long-term responses to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in diabetic macular edema