Description
Retinal vascular diseases are responsible for many cases of blindness throughout the world. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working age Americans, while age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 throughout many parts of the world. Scientific research has found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many causes of retinal disease. Anti-VEGF agents are effective in treating neovascular AMD, and anti-VEGF agents have been shown to provide benefit in patients with macular edema due to diabetic retinopathy. In addition, anti-VEGF agents have also been shown to be effective in treating macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion. As new scientific evidence emerges, ophthalmologists and retina specialists need to be updated on many recent clinical trials which are having a major impact on the standard care of retinal vascular diseases. New potential treatment options for these conditions will be reviewed and outcome data will be discussed in order to improve clinical care in patients with these common retinal diseases.
