Objective:

To compare foveal sensitivity in eyes with and without diabetic macular edema, with 20/20 visual acuity.

Methods:

Non-experimental, comparative, prospective, cross sectional study in eyes with and without retinopathy and focal macular edema, with 20/20 visual acuity. The sample was divided in 3 groups: (1) non-diabetic subjects, (2) diabetics without retinopathy, and 3) diabetics with non-proliferative retinopathy and clinically significant macular edema. Median foveal sensitivity was compared between groups (Kruskal Wallis test).

Results:

86 eyes (28 in group 1, 26 in group 2 and 32 in group (3). Medians shown a statistical difference between groups (p = 0.001). Median foveal sensitivity was significantly lower in group 3 than in group 1 (p = 0.001) and than in group 2 (p = 0.03). Median foveal sensitivity did not differ between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.10).

Conclusion:

Foveal sensitivity in diabetic macular edema and visual acuity 20/20 is lower in eyes with center sparing clinically significant macular edema and 20/20 visual acuity. The prognostic value of this dysfunction requires evaluation, in order to learn whether early treatment is required in these eyes.