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Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF): its function in proliferative diabetic retinopathy management
Among working-age adults, diabetes is a primary cause of visual impairment. Pan-retinal photocoagulation, the standard treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, is effective but comes with well-established adverse effects, including limitations on the peripheral visual field. The mechanism of vascular proliferation is thought to be triggered by vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Anti-VEGF medications have been studied extensively in the treatment of diabetic macular edema, and the results suggest that treatment with anti-VEGF medications causes a decrease in diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF therapies can be used to treat underlying proliferative diabetic retinopathy in cases of vitreous bleeding when platelet-rich plasma cannot be used, delaying, or reducing the necessity for a vitrectomy. However, the limitations of anti-VEGF therapy require careful patient selection and constant observation. Recent clinical trials and recommendations for the use of anti-VEGF in proliferative diabetic retinopathy are presented in this review