Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF): its function in proliferative diabetic retinopathy management

Introduction. 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. Material and methods. The effectiveness of anti-VEGF medicines in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy was the subject of a comprehensive review of the scientific and medical literature. A structured search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and HINARI databases, considering relevant articles published in the last 10 years. The search terms used (in English) were: “angiogenesis inhibitors”, “anti-VEGF”, “pan-retinal photocoagulation”, “intravitreal injection”, “diabetic retinopathy”. Accurate diagnosis, side effects, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were analyzed and compared for each treatment option. Results. Anti-VEGF treatments have been demonstrated to be beneficial in reducing macular edema, enhancing visual acuity, and slowing the advancement of diabetic retinopathy. While generally safe, different anti-VEGF medicines have varied side effects profiles. Conclusion. When choosing an anti-VEGF treatment for diabetic retinopathy, factors such as patient satisfaction, quality of life, side effects, and correct diagnosis should be taken into account. While anti-VEGF treatments show promise, further study is required to fully understand their advantages and disadvantages and to optimize their application.