AIM:To explore the relationship between the parameters of macular integrity assessment(MAIA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and macular morphology in patients with diabetic macular edema.

METHODS: From March 2018 to January 2020, a total of 43 patients(74 eyes)with diabetic macular edema were randomly selected for treatment in the department of ophthalmology in our hospital.To compare the relationship between MAIA micro field meter parameters and the integrity of macular external membrane, junction of inner and outer photoreceptors(IS/OS)layer and hard exudation. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between retinal thickness and retinal sensitivity. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between retinal thickness, retinal sensitivity and BCVA in the intact and defect groups of IS/OS layer.

RESULTS: Compared with the IS/OS layer defect group, the levels of BCVA(LogMAR), central retinal thickness(CRT), elliptical area of binary contour 63(BCEA63), elliptical area of binary contour 95(BCEA95)and macular integrity index(MI)in the IS/OS layer intact group were lower, and the levels of average threshold(AT)and P2 were higher(all P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in the levels of central retinal volume(CRV)and P1 between the two groups(all P>0.05). Compared with the external membrane defect group, the levels of BCVA(LogMAR), CRT and MI in the external membrane intact group were lower(all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the levels of CRV, AT, P1, P2, BCEA63 and BCEA95 between the two groups(all P>0.05). Compare the group with and without hard exudation, there was no significant difference in eye parameters between the two groups(P>0.05).There was a significant negative correlation between retinal thickness and sensitivity in temporal, central and nasal sides of fovea(P<0.05), but no significant correlation in the upper and lower parts of fovea(P>0.05). In the complete group of IS/OS layer, AT was significantly negatively correlated with CRT and BCVA, while CRT was significantly positively correlated with BCVA(all P<0.05). In the IS/OS layer defect group, there was a significant negative correlation between AT and BCVA(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:MAIA in the diabetic macular edema is closely related to the morphology and structure of macular area, especially the integrity of IS/OS layer and outer membrane. MAIA may be an important index to evaluate the visual function of patients with diabetic macular edema.