cystoid macular edema

Hiya could you tell me if there is a stem cell replacement  program that WORKS to greatly improve Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema.Also Which of the following drugs work the longest would you say as costs are an issue with prolonged treatment. Drugs that have been suggested: Ozurdex , Macugen, Lucentis and Avastin. Thanks.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Typically laser treatments usually has a role to play.  Also Lucentis (same as Avstin) has been useful in select cases. Injections of steroids like kenalog are also used for certain cases.  Talk with your retinal specialist to see what is indicated for your situation.  Stem cell treatments are not available for diabetic retinopathy right now so that is not a consideration at all.

MJK MD

[BUTTERCUP109]

Hi, Regarding the stem cell question, you'll have to get an expert to answer, but I doubt there is anything available in that regard outside of some very early basic research.
To the other question: Ozurdex is in a class by itself and probably the cheapest to try first if you are not a steroid-responder that would eliminate you from having steroids. If it works, it will likely work with one shot with limited repeats. But most doctors really try to avoid steroids, if possible. The other three drugs are in the same class, all expensive, all prone to be repeated multiple, multiple times. Macugen is probably the most expensive and least used. Of the three, Avastin is clearly the least expensive. They all likely are similar in effectiveness, although some would tell you that Lucentis is better than Avastin and others will deny this is true.