External limiting membrane: retinal structural barrier in diabetic macular edema

Abstract Advances in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) technology have enhanced the understanding of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) in diabetic macular edema. An increase in VEGF has been demonstrated to be associated with sequential ELM and EZ disruption on SD-OCT. An intact ELM is a prerequisite for an intact EZ in DME. Anti-VEGF therapy leads to restoration of barrier effect of ELM. The ELM restores first followed by EZ restoration.