Effect of anti-VEGF treatment on nonperfusion areas in ischemic retinopathy

Abstract

In recent years, retinal ischemia such as that which occurs in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) has become a hotspot of ischemic retinopathy research. High levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are recognized as a major cause of macular edema (ME) in DR and RVO. High concentrations of VEGF in the vitreous can lead to serious retinal ischemia and hypoxia and form retinal nonperfusion areas (NPAs). Different levels of retinal ischemia can represent disease severity and progression. Anti-VEGF therapy as the first-line treatment for ME has been found to be effective in improving vision, but there are still disputes about whether anti-VEGF therapy could improve retinal ischemia and achieve reperfusion of previously developed retinal NPAs. Here, we review and summarize studies of the effects of anti-VEGF drugs on retinal ischemia, especially NPAs.