Vascular endothelial growth factor and diabetic macular edema

Diabetes mellitus is a major global health epidemic, and diabetic macular edema 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 diabetic macular edema. Chronically elevated serum glucose is known to cause breakdown in the inner and outer retinal blood barrier resulting in upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Intravitreal anti –vascular endothelial growth factor 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 diabetic macular edema.
Source: Survey of Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Authors: Tags: Major review Source Type: research