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| Alma Mater Europaea University – ECM |
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| Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Health Research |
Functional and Anatomical Outcomes Assessed by Microperimetry Following Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Treatment-Naïve Centre-Involving Diabetic Macular Edema: A 3-Month Prospective Evaluation
Sanjay KUMAR MISHRA1, Tejinder SINGH AHLUWALIA2, Rajpal VOHRA3, Rohan CHAWLA3 1Nims College of Allied and Health Care Sciences, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur Rajasthan, India 2Department of Ophthalmology, Nims University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, India 3Vitreo-Retina Services at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India |
Received: 29-Aug-2025 | |
| Revised: 09-Oct-2025 | ||
| Accepted: 18-Oct-2025 | ||
| Online first: 19-Oct-2025 | ||
| Email: sanjaymishraknp@yahoo.com | ||
| Original Article |
Introduction: Diabetic macular edema (DME) remains a major cause of vision impairment worldwide. Intravitreal bevacizumab, though used off-label, is an established therapy for centre-involved DME (CI-DME). This study evaluated how effectively microperimetry complements standard measures—best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT)—in assessing treatment outcomes.
Methods: In this prospective observational study, 52 eyes with treatment-naïve CI-DME received three monthly bevacizumab injections. BCVA, CMT (via OCT), and mean retinal sensitivity (by microperimetry) were recorded at baseline, one month, and three months. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for repeated measures and Spearman’s rank correlation for structure–function relationships.
Results: After three months, mean BCVA improved from 0.50 ± 0.095 to 0.67 ± 0.088 (p < 0.001), while CMT decreased from 401.9 ± 87.6 µm to 329.5 ± 23.2 µm (p < 0.001). Mean retinal sensitivity rose from 14.96 ± 1.01 dB to 16.50 ± 1.39 dB (p < 0.001). Improvement in BCVA correlated positively with both CMT reduction (ρ = 0.340, p = 0.014) and sensitivity gain (ρ = 0.412, p = 0.004), while CMT reduction correlated inversely with sensitivity improvement (ρ = –0.367, p = 0.009).
Conclusion: Three consecutive bevacizumab injections resulted in significant anatomical and functional recovery in eyes with CI-DME. The consistent correlations between macular structure and function underscore the value of microperimetry as a sensitive, complementary tool for evaluating therapeutic response beyond standard acuity and OCT metrics.
Keywords: Diabetic Macular Edema, Bevacizumab, Central Macular Thickness, Anti-VEGF, Retinal Sensitivity, Microperimetry, OCT, Intravitreal Injection
Citation: Mishra, S.K., Ahluwalia, T.S., Vohra, R., Chawla, R. (2025 Functional and Anatomical Outcomes Assessed by Microperimetry Following Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Treatment-Naïve Centre-Involving Diabetic Macular Edema: A 3-Month Prospective Evaluation. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Advance online publication.
Copyright ©2025 Mishra, S.K., Ahluwalia, T.S., Vohra, R., Chawla, R. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)
| Corresponding address: |
|---|
| Sanjay KUMAR MISHRA |
| Nims College of Allied and Health Care Sciences, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur Rajasthan, India |
| Email: sanjaymishraknp@yahoo.com |
As per the recent World Health Organisation estimates, the global diabetic population is projected to increase by 47% by 2045 (Sun et al., 2022; Udaondo et al., 2022).The situation in India is even worse, as the diabetic population is going to increase by 86% by the same period. And that is why India is also referred to as the diabetic capital of the world (Magliano et al., 2021).
Due to the increasing diabetic population, diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the general population, characterised by increased macular thickness resulting from increased vascular permeability and ischemia, leading to fluid accumulation.
Centre-involving diabetic macular edema causes significant deterioration of vision, thereby deteriorating the quality of life of affected individuals (Wong et al., 2016).The prevalence of DME reported by various authors ranges from 20% to 30%, indicating an urgent need for effective treatment modalities (Yau et al., 2012).
Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent, has emerged as the most cost-effective option among the various intravitreal injections utilised in the management of diabetic macular edema (DME).
This mechanism operates by inhibiting VEGFs, which are critical mediators of neovascularisation and heightened vascular leakage in the retina (Ferrara & Adamis, 2016).
Numerous studies indicate that this drug positively affects visual acuity and decreases central macular thickness (CMT) (Brown et al., 2006; Nguyen et al., 2012).
\The impact of bevacizumab on retinal sensitivity, assessed through microperimetry, remains under-researched.
Microperimetry is a tool used to evaluate retinal sensitivity in patients with impaired central visual function, providing insights into localised retinal responses across the posterior pole that may not be comprehensively assessed by visual acuity alone (Laishram et al., 2017).
Microperimetry enables the assessment of functional changes in the retina, which can be particularly important in understanding the effects of treatment in patients with centre involving diabetic macular edema CI-DME) (Vujosevic et al., 2010).
The primary purpose of conducting this study was to evaluate the impact of intravitreal bevacizumab injections on microperimetry sensitivities and visual acuity in treatment-naïve CI-DME patients over three months post-injection.
Additionally, by correlating changes in microperimetry sensitivities with visual acuity, this current study aims to provide insight into the relationship between retinal sensitivity in the broader area of the posterior pole and visual acuity outcomes.
A prospective longitudinal observational analysis was designed and conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital and medical institute.
Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee before starting the study, and informed consent was obtained from all the patients.
For this study, we defined treatment-naïve CI-DME as DME without any prior treatment, including intravitreal depot steroids, anti-VEGF agents, laser photocoagulation, or vitrectomy.
CI-DME is characterised by CMT involving the foveal and surrounding region, confirmed by the presence of intra- or sub-retinal fluid on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and/or CMT of ≥305 µm as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) using the Heidelberg Engineering SPECTRALIS HRA+OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Inc., Franklin, MA, USA).
The sample size for this study was determined using a power analysis to ensure adequate statistical validity.
The calculation was based on an expected correlation coefficient (ρ) between retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry and CMT.Assuming a 95% confidence level (Zα/2 = 1.96) and 80% statistical power (Zβ = 0.84), the minimum required sample size was estimated to be 47 eyes.
To compensate for potential dropouts or incomplete data during follow-up, an additional 10% was included, resulting in a final target enrolment of 52 eyes.
This sample size was considered sufficient to detect meaningful correlations between functional and anatomical outcomes.
Consecutive patients suitable for treatment with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab fulfilling the inclusion criteria of age 18 years and above, regardless of gender, diagnosed with treatment-naïve CI-DME, with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) criterion of 6/12 (20/60, 0.5) or less, and CMT criterion of ≥305 µm as measured by SD-OCT. Additionally, sufficient media clarity, pupillary dilation, and cooperation for all types of testing, as well as a willingness to participate in the study, were among the key criteria.
We excluded patients with a history of previous treatment for CI-DME, or those with retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, pathological myopia, significant cataract, glaucoma, or who were unwilling to participate in the study.
The following tools and equipment were used in the study: for colour fundus photography, FFA, and SD-OCT, a Heidelberg Engineering SPECTRALIS HRA+OCT was employed. For performing microperimetry, a MAIA (Centervue, Padova, Italy) was used.
At baseline visit, a detailed history of ophthalmic and systemic illnesses, family history, prior treatments, and demographic details were taken. BCVA was assessed using a Snellen/Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity chart, and the values were converted to decimal notation. Slit lamp examination was performed to rule out significant anterior-segment disorders, and intraocular pressure was measured using non-contact tonometry.
A dilated retinal examination was conducted using 78D/90D lenses using the indirect ophthalmoscopic technique (figure 1).
Fig. 1: Schematic diagram of the study protocol, detailing the sequence of clinical evaluations and measurements. (BCVA: best corrected visual acuity; CMT: central macular thickness; CI DME: center-involving diabetic macular edema; OCT: optical coherence tomography; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor; CP: color photo; IOP: intraocular pressure; SLE: slit lamp examination)
Before commencing the study, ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, ensuring that every step of our study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines.
We carefully explained the study's aims, the specific procedures involved—such as injections and all the tests (BCVA, OCT, microperimetry)—and any potential risks or benefits of participating. Participants were made fully aware that their involvement was entirely voluntary, and they could leave the study at any time without giving a reason, without it affecting their medical care. We also gave them ample time to ask questions, and we answered all their inquiries to their satisfaction. Only once they had clearly understood everything and confirmed their willingness to participate did each patient sign a written informed consent form. To protect their privacy, all participant data was handled with the utmost confidentiality throughout the study and in any reports.
Intravitreal bevacizumab injections of Avastin® (Roche/Genentech, distributed in India by Cipla Ltd.) were given in a minor operating theatre under aseptic conditions to minimise the risk of endophthalmitis later. The drug was used as ‘off label’ because it is not approved by the agencies such as United States Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency for this indication. But it is routinely used in clinical settings owing to its demonstrated efficacy in prior studies and its cost effectivity. The procedure was performed under the effect of topical anaesthesia, following the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The injection protocol included anaesthesia of the eye with a topical aesthetic agent, such as proparacaine. Then, a 5-10% povidone-iodine solution was applied over the eyelids and around the eye. Subsequently, a sterile speculum was inserted to keep the eye open during the injection. And finally, a dose of 1.25 mg of bevacizumab in a volume of 0.05 mL was injected intravitreally. Patients were monitored for a short time after the injection for any immediate adverse effects. Each patient received a loading dose of three, monthly injections (at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks). Follow-up visits were conducted at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, during which BCVA, CMT (using SD-OCT), and retinal sensitivity (using microperimetry) were recorded.
All collected data were carefully entered into Microsoft Excel for organisation and subsequently analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).
Continuous variables, such as age, were summarised as mean ± standard deviation (SD), while categorical variables, such as gender, were presented as frequency and percentage.
For inferential analysis, the paired t-test was used for comparing normally distributed continuous variables, and the McNemar test was applied to evaluate categorical data across time points. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) was used to assess the relationship between two continuous variables.
A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses.
A total of 52 patients (26 males, 26 females) suffering from treatment-naïve CI-DME were included in the study (n=52). Mean age was 52.4 years (SD = 7.1). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.50 (SD = 0.095) in decimal notation, mean central macular thickness (CMT) was 401.9 µm (SD = 87.6), and mean microperimetry – mean retinal sensitivity was 14.962 dB (SD=1.009) at baseline. The demographic and baseline values are summarised in Table 1.
Table 1: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of study participants (N = 52)
| Characteristic | Value |
| Mean age (years) | 52.4 (SD = 7.1) |
| Male/Female (n) | 26/26 (50%/50%) |
| Mean BCVA (Decimal) | 0.50 (SD = 0.095) |
| Mean CMT (µm) | 401.885 (SD = 87.566) |
| Mean Microperimetry – Mean Retinal Sensitivity (dB) | 14.962 (SD=1.009) |
Note: N = 52 eyes from 52 patients. BCVA = Best-Corrected Visual Acuity. CMT = Central Macular Thickness. dB = decibel
After three consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab, significant improvements were observed in both functional and anatomical parameters.
Mean BCVA showed a progressive and statistically significant improvement from 0.50 ± 0.095 at baseline to 0.61 ± 0.092 at 1 month and 0.67 ± 0.088 at 3 months (paired t-test, p < 0.001 for both comparisons) (Table 2, Figure 2).
Fig. 2: Change in Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) over time.
Similarly, mean CMT demonstrated a significant reduction from 401.9 ± 87.6 µm at baseline to 337.9 ± 23.7 µm at 1 month and 329.5 ± 23.2 µm at 3 months (p < 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA) (Table 2, Figure 3).
Fig. 3: Change in Central Macular Thickness (CMT) over time.
Correspondingly, mean Retinal Sensitivity assessed by Microperimetry increased significantly from 14.96 ± 1.01 dB at baseline to 16.08 ± 1.20 dB at 1 month and 16.50 ± 1.39 dB at 3 months (p < 0.001, ANOVA), indicating a parallel functional improvement in retinal responsiveness (Table 2, Figure 4).
Fig. 4: Change in Mean Retinal Sensitivity (Microperimetry) over time.
Table 2 presents the changes observed over the study period in the BCVA, CMT, and mean retinal sensitivity at baseline, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. There was a statistically significant improvement in BCVA as compared to baseline mean of 0.50 ± 0.095 to 0.61 ± 0.092 at 1 month (p < 0.001) and further to 0.67 ± 0.088 at 3 months (p < 0.001). Likewise, CMT significantly decreased from a baseline mean value of 401.885 ± 87.566 µm to 337.904 ± 23.724 µm at 1 month and 329.538± 23.249 µm at 3 months (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The mean retinal sensitivity showed a progressive improvement from 14.962 ± 1.009 dB at baseline to 16.077 ± 1.202 dB at 1 month and 16.500 ± 1.393 dB at 3 months (p < 0.001), indicating a gradual improvement in localised retinal function. All the above findings highlight those anatomical and functional parameters significantly improved following intravitreal injections of bevacizumab in patients suffering from CI-DME.
Table 2: Comparison of functional and anatomical parameters over time following treatment in eyes with diabetic macular edema
| Parameter | Baseline | 1 Month | 3 Months | P-value (ANOVA) |
| Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA, Decimal) | 0.50 ± 0.095 | 0.61 ± 0.092 | 0.67 ± 0.088 | < 0.001 |
| Central Macular Thickness (CMT, µm) | 401.885 ± 87.566 | 337.904 ± 23.724 | 329.538 ± 23.249 | < 0.001 |
| Microperimetry – Mean Retinal Sensitivity (dB) | 14.962 ± 1.009 | 16.077 ± 1.202 | 16.500 ± 1.393 | < 0.001 |
Note: BCVA = Best-Corrected Visual Acuity. CMT = Central Macular Thickness
Correlation analyses were performed to investigate the correlations between functional and anatomical markers during the research period. A considerable and statistically significant association was identified between the enhancement in BCVA and the decrease in CMT from baseline to 3 months (Spearman’s ρ = 0.340, p = 0.0137). A favourable association was identified between enhancements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and increases in mean retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry (ρ = 0.412, p = 0.004).
In contrast, CMT reduction exhibited a negative connection with the increase in retinal sensitivity (ρ = –0.367, p = 0.009), indicating that narrower maculae post-treatment were linked to elevated sensitivity levels on microperimetry. Collectively, these findings underscore a consistent correlation between anatomical restoration and functional enhancement—specifically regarding visual acuity and retinal sensitivity—following intravitreal bevacizumab therapy, thereby emphasising the supplementary significance of microperimetry in evaluating macular function beyond traditional OCT metrics.
Table 3: Spearman’s correlation between functional and anatomical parameters following intravitreal bevacizumab injections (N = 52)
| Parameter Pair | Spearman’s ρ | p-value | Interpretation |
| BCVA Improvement vs. CMT Reduction | 0.340 | 0.014 | Moderate positive correlation — better visual acuity associated with reduced macular thickness |
| BCVA Improvement vs. Retinal Sensitivity Gain | 0.412 | 0.004 | Moderate positive correlation — greater BCVA improvement linked with higher retinal sensitivity |
| CMT Reduction vs. Retinal Sensitivity Gain | –0.367 | 0.009 | Moderate negative correlation — lower CMT values correspond with improved retinal sensitivity |
Fig. 5: Spearman’s correlation between functional and anatomical parameters following intravitreal bevacizumab therapy
This prospective observational study demonstrates that three consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab resulted in significant anatomical and functional improvements in eyes with centre-involving diabetic macular edema (CI-DME). Over three months, mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.50 ± 0.095 to 0.67 ± 0.088, central macular thickness (CMT) decreased from 401.9 ± 87.6 µm to 329.5 ± 23.2 µm, and mean retinal sensitivity (RS), assessed by microperimetry, increased from 14.96 ± 1.01 dB to 16.50 ± 1.39 dB (all p < 0.001), suggesting that individuals with larger visual acuity gains also had superior retinal functional recovery. Overall, these findings reflect a consistent and statistically significant enhancement in both visual acuity and retinal function, accompanied by a reduction in macular edema following bevacizumab therapy.
Moderate yet statistically significant correlations were observed among the structural and functional parameters. Improvement in BCVA correlated positively with reduction in CMT (Spearman’s ρ = 0.340, p = 0.0137), indicating that anatomical recovery was associated with matching functional visual improvements and with the gain in retinal sensitivity (ρ = 0.412, p = 0.004). Conversely, a negative correlation was found between CMT reduction and sensitivity gain (ρ = –0.367, p = 0.009), suggesting that greater resolution of edema was associated with higher recovery of retinal function (Table 4).
Table 4: Comparison of structure–function correlations between this study and published literature.
| Study | Year | N (eyes) | Correlated parameters | Reported ρ / p | Key finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Present study | 2025 | 52 | BCVA–CMT, BCVA–RS, CMT–RS | 0.340 (p = 0.0137); 0.412 (p = 0.004); –0.367 (p = 0.009) | Moderate BCVA–CMT and BCVA–RS correlations; inverse CMT–RS relationship |
| Vujosevic et al. | 2006 | 45 | CMT–microperimetry | ≈ 0.40 | Thinner retina associated with greater sensitivity |
| Sugimoto et al. | 2016 | 56 | RS–BCVA | ≈ 0.35 (p < 0.01) | Retinal sensitivity predicts visual outcomes after anti-VEGF therapy |
| Pereira et al. | 2019 | 24 | Bevacizumab × microperimetry | RS increased 11.7 → 16.3 dB (p < 0.01) | Functional recovery parallels anatomical improvement |
| Midena et al. | 2024 | 58 | OCT–microperimetry | 0.38 (p < 0.05) | Microperimetry reflects macular structural recovery |
| Wang et al. | 2022 | — | Meta-analysis (CMT–VA) | 0.30–0.50 | Weak-to-moderate but consistent VA–CMT relationship |
| DRCR.net Protocol T | 2015 | 660 | CMT–BCVA | Not reported | Anti-VEGF therapy improves both BCVA and CMT significantly |
Notes: BCVA = best-corrected visual acuity; CMT = central macular thickness; RS = retinal sensitivity; VA = visual acuity; VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor; OCT = optical coherence tomography
Our findings align with prior reports demonstrating modest-to-moderate structure–function relationships in DME. Vujosevic et al. (2006) first established a topographic association between OCT-derived thickness and microparametric sensitivity.
Pereira et al. (2019) observed comparable functional recovery after monthly bevacizumab injections. Sugimoto et al. (2016) demonstrated that central retinal sensitivity serves as a predictor of visual outcomes post-anti-VEGF therapy, whereas Midena et al. (2024) validated that microperimetry detects nuanced functional improvements not evident in BCVA alone.
Wang et al. (2022) also stressed that even big meta-analyses only demonstrate weak to moderate links between CMT and visual acuity.
This means that other things, such photoreceptor integrity, retinal ischemia, and brain injury, also affect how well someone recovers.
Our results are consistent with the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net) Protocol T (2015), which showed significant improvements in BCVA and CMT with anti-VEGF medicines.
While microperimetry was not assessed in that experiment, our work expands these findings by recording enhancements over the wider macula, suggesting that functional recovery transcends foveal vision alone.
The present results strengthen real-world evidence supporting bevacizumab as an effective and accessible therapy for treatment-naïve CI-DME. Clinically, microperimetry complements traditional visual acuity testing by mapping localised retinal function and identifying subclinical improvement earlier in treatment.
Its demonstrated responsiveness after bevacizumab therapy supports its use as an adjunct outcome measure for assessing therapeutic efficacy and patient-reported quality of vision.
The study’s main limitations include a relatively small sample size, short follow-up of three months, and absence of a control arm. Microperimetry is inherently operator-dependent and subject to a learning effect, although testing protocols were standardised to minimise bias.
Larger, longer-term, and multicentre studies integrating multimodal imaging—such as OCT-angiography and photoreceptor integrity line analysis—are warranted to further clarify the temporal structure–function dynamics.
Focusing on treatment-naïve eyes reduces confounding effects from previous therapies like laser therapy or corticosteroids.
The constant treatment regimen and objective OCT and microperimetry measurement improve internal validity.
The modest correlations show that structural repair alone does not entirely predict visual improvement, emphasising the need to include functional measurements like microperimetry to understand visual recovery.
For structural modifications to effect quality of life, future research should involve prolonged observation periods and patient-reported visual function markers. Functional indicators like microperimetry and comparative anti-VEGF medication and dosage studies may enhance diabetic macular edema treatment.
Three months of bevacizumab therapy resulted in significant improvements in visual acuity, macular thickness, and retinal sensitivity in treatment-naïve cases of CI-DME.
The moderate correlations observed among BCVA, CMT, and microperimetry outcomes suggest that anatomical and localised functional recovery happen simultaneously.
These findings are consistent with the existing literature, highlighting microperimetry as a crucial tool for the comprehensive assessment of anti-VEGF therapy in DME.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute Ethics Committee.
Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI) Registration No.
CTRI/2023/10/058435
The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest regarding the work presented in this manuscript. The research was conducted independently without any external funding or influence from commercial entities.
We would like to thank the staff of the Institute for their assistance in participant recruitment and data collection. Special thanks to the patients who participated in this study, making this research possible.
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