Treatment approaches for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema

Abstract

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) can cause substantial disease burden for patients. Several organizations have published clinical guidelines on appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations to alleviate this burden. Treatment approaches include both nonpharmacologic methods and pharmacologic therapies, with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy being the standard of care. Anti-VEGF therapy is an effective treatment option for both nAMD and DME; however, long-term patient compliance may be reduced due to the burden of costs, monthly intravitreal injections, and repeat clinic visits to assess clinical response parameters. Emerging treatments and dosing strategies aim to decrease treatment burden and increase patient safety. Retina specialists can play a key role in improving the management of both nAMD and DME by incorporating patient-specific treatment strategies tailored to improve clinical outcomes. Enhanced knowledge of retinal disease therapies will allow clinicians to optimize evidence-based treatment strategies to improve clinical outcomes for their patients.