Effectiveness of anti-vegf agents in patients with retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Retinal vein occlusion is a significant medical problem that requires urgent correction. We conducted a prospective observational study (n=124 patients) to investigate the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (intravitreal injections of aflibercept 2 mg in 0.05 mL) compared with standard treatment in patients with retinal vein occlusion. When post-thrombotic neovascular glaucoma occurred, the concentrations of transforming growth factor α and β in the lacrimal fluid in both groups (with and without aflibercept) increased by 1.7-fold and 28-fold, respectively. When aflibercept was administered, the blood flow rates in ophthalmic and central retinal arteries, as well as the maximum velocity in the superior ophthalmic and central retinal veins, were improved compared with patients who received standard therapy. Thus, aflibercept therapy for retinal vein occlusion leads to the normalization of blood flow in retinal vasculature, preventing neovascularization and providing a better clinical outcome for patients.