Aflibercept improves visual, anatomic outcomes after laser therapy in eyes with DME

Patients with diabetic macular edema who lost visual acuity after macular laser photocoagulation-only treatment experienced improved visual and anatomic outcomes after initiation of subsequent intravitreal aflibercept injections, according to a study. Researchers conducted a post hoc analysis of a subgroup of 109 laser control eyes studied in the phase 3 VISTA and VIVID trials. The control eyes selected for the analysis had received laser treatment and five monthly doses of sham injections but had substantial loss of visual acuity, such that treatment was then initiated with intravitreal aflibercept. Treatment with 2 mg intravitreal aflibercept every 8 weeks was initiated at week 24 or thereafter when prespecified visual acuity deterioration criteria were met.