Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetes mellitus is a major global health epidemic, and diabetic macular edema (DME) is the leading cause of vision loss in this population. Macular focal and/or grid laser photocoagulation applied to microaneurysms and thickened retina had long been primary therapy for DME. Chronically elevated serum glucose is known to cause breakdown in the inner and outer retinal blood barrier resulting in up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents, including ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept, have been shown in randomized clinical trials to be superior to macular laser for the treatment of clinically relevant DME.
Source: Survey of Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Authors: Tags: Major review Source Type: research