Session I: From Inflammation to Innovation: Exploring Mechanisms and Modeling in Retinal Disease?

許淑娟 Shwu-Jiuan SheuTaiwan Moderator Risk factors associated with sight threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) severity and progression in diabetes mellitus (DM) patientsPurpose: This study aims to examine factors associated with sight threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) severity and progression in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Specifically, we focus on the initial HbA1C at diagnosis, its change at ophthalmologic visit and medication adherence (MR). Research Design and Methods: A prospective study involving 300 type II DM patients (≥20 years) was conducted from July 2022 to January 2024. MR was assessed using the Taiwanese version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8). DR progression was evaluated through a defined clinical scoring system. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression to examine the factors associated with STDR severity and progression. Results: After excluding 122 patients for missing data, 178 participants were analyzed. Changes in HbA1c were strongly associated with STDR. Both improvements and deteriorations or sustained high in HbA1c levels were linked to an increased likelihood of advanced DR scores compared to sustained low group. Those with sustained high HbA1c had the most impact. High initial HbA1c had a greater impact on females, age <65, patients lacking exercise or diet control. Patients with low or moderate MR showed significantly higher HbA1c level at ophthalmologic visit, and increased risk developing STDR. Age ≥65 years was a protective factor against higher DR scores. Conclusions: This study highlights the relationship between initial blood glucose levels at diabetes diagnosis, and subsequent HbA1c change during ophthalmology visits concerning DR severity and progression. High initial HbA1c might indicate the need for frequent ophthalmic visit.

許聖民 Sheng-Min HsuTaiwan Moderator Pseudophakic Macular Edema: Stopping Vision Loss Before It StartsPseudophakic macular edema (Ervine-Gass syndrome) remains the most common cause of decreased visual acuity after uneventful cataract surgery. Previous study reported that 26.8% of eyes with pseudophakic macular edema did not recover 6/6 vision. Clinically significant pseudophakic macular edema impairing patients' vision is found in 1-2% of patients with its peak 6 weeks following surgery, but subclinical macular edema can be seen in about 30% of patients in FA and up to 40% in OCT. To date, there are no uniform recommendations for the treatment of pseudophakic macular edema. Therefore, I will present two cases of pseudophakic macular edema here and discuss the strategies for treatment.