External limiting membrane: retinal structural barrier in diabetic macular edema
Sandeep Saxena, Levent Akduman, Carsten H. Meyer
Abstract
Advances in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) technology have enhanced the understanding of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) in diabetic macular edema. An increase in VEGF has been demonstrated to be associated with sequential ELM and EZ disruption on SD-OCT. An intact ELM is a prerequisite for an intact EZ in DME. Anti-VEGF therapy leads to restoration of barrier effect of ELM. The ELM restores first followed by EZ restoration.
Topics & Concepts
External limiting membraneOptical coherence tomographyDiabetic macular edemaInternal limiting membraneLimitingOphthalmologyRetinalEdemaInner limiting membraneBiophysicsMedicineDiabetic retinopathyRetinal pigment epitheliumBiologySurgeryDiabetes mellitusMacular holeEndocrinologyVisual acuityVitrectomyEngineeringMechanical engineeringRetinal Diseases and TreatmentsGlaucoma and retinal disordersRetinal Imaging and Analysis