Abstract
Purpose::
To report cases of resolution of diabetic macular edema (DME), in 3 patients on Furosemide therapy, using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
Methods::
Review of clinical chart, and optical coherence tomography.
Results::
Three diabetic patients, had partial or complete resolution of their macular edema without any ophthalmic procedures or treatment. Reviewing their medical history it was noted that all three patients had a significant history of hypertension and that starting Furosemide therapy, or increasing the dose of this medication was associated with partial or complete resolution of their macular edema and an improvement in visual acuity.In patient 1, OCT values of center macular thickness was 420 microns in the right eye and 470 microns in the left eye. OCT values one month after increasing the Lasix dose was 377µ in the right eye and 229µ in the left eye. In patient 2, OCT values before beginning Lasix treatment was 212µ in the right eye and 479µ in the left eye. One month after starting treatment, OCT values in the right eye was 214µ and 276µ in the left eye. In patient 3, OCT values before Lasix treatment was 513µ in the right eye, and 234µ in the left eye. One month after treatment, OCT values in the right eye was 284µ and in the left eye 290µ. In addition to the decrease in macular thickness an improvement in visual acuity was seen in all patients with Lasix use. Visual acuity in patient 1, increased from 20/60 in both eyes to 20/40 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. In patient 2, visual acuity increased from 20/30 in the right eye and 20/50 in the left eye, to 20/25 and 20/30 respectively. In patient 3, visual acuity increased from 20/400 in both eyes to 20/200 after initiating treatment with Furosemide
Conclusions::
Macular edema is an important cause of decreased vision in diabetic patients. In diabetic patients, that also have hypertension, Furosemide may be beneficial in treating macular edema.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • edema • diabetes