Prevalence and Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarker Profile in Diabetic Macular Edema Among Occidental Mexican Patients

Background and Objectives: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a heterogeneous complication of diabetic retinopathy, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers may provide information beyond central retinal thickness. Evidence on the OCT biomarker profile of Mexican patients with DME remains limited. This study aimed to characterize OCT biomarkers in patients with DME from a tertiary referral center in western Mexico and evaluate their associations with clinical characteristics and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of adults with diabetic retinopathy and DME. Clinical records and OCT scans were reviewed. Biomarkers included central macular thickness, intraretinal cysts, subretinal fluid, hyperreflective foci, ellipsoid zone disruption, external limiting membrane disruption, and disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL). Associations with glycated hemoglobin, retinopathy severity, diabetes treatment, and BCVA were analyzed.