Common indications for intraocular anti-VEGF injections

The most common indications for intraocular anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections include exudative age-related macular degeneration, background and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, branch and central retinal vein occlusions, and retinopathy of prematurity. Intraocular anti-VEGF drugs generally work through two mechanisms: 1. Decreasing vascular permeability allows absorption of edema. 2. Decreasing neovascularization prevents hemorrhages and tissue distortion caused by fibrous proliferation. RPE indicates retinal pigment epithelium. From Dr. Stewart's article "The expanding role of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors in ophthalmology" which was published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2012, Vol. 87 No. 1, pages 77-88. This graphic is used with permission.