Abstract:AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of conbercept combined with subthreshold micropulse laser(SML)in the treatment of diabetic macular edema(DME)and its effect on macular perfusion and visual function.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with DME admitted to our hospital from June 2023 to December 2024. Based on their treatment regimens, the patients were divided into two groups: 35 patients receiving anti-VEGF monotherapy served as the control group, and 35 patients receiving combined conbercept and SML therapy comprised the observation group. The clinical efficacy, macular perfusion parameters \〖superficial capillary plexus(SCP)vessel density, deep capillary plexus(DCP)vessel density, central macular thickness(CMT)\〗, visual function metrics \〖best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), foveal thickness(FT), hemorrhagic spot area\〗, and the incidence of complications during treatment were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.
RESULTS:The baseline data of the two groups were comparable. The total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(97% vs 83%, P<0.05). At 6 mo after treatment, SCP and DCP vessel densities increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels, with greater improvements observed in the observation group(all P<0.05). Conversely, CMT, BCVA, FT, and hemorrhagic spot area decreased in both groups, with more significant reductions in the observation group(all P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of complications between the two groups during the treatment period(P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: The combination of conbercept and SML therapy demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in treating DME. It effectively improves macular blood perfusion and visual function with a favorable safety profile.
