[Randomized clinical trials in diabetic macular edema]

Abstract

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual acuity impairment in diabetic patients. The current standard therapy for patients with DME (focal/grid laser photocoagulation) usually does not improve impaired vision, and many patients continue to lose vision despite laser therapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of DME and is a major candidate as a therapeutic target for the treatment of DME. The advent of intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs, such a ranibizumab, has opened up a new era for the management of DME. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence supporting the use of ranibizumab in clinical practice. The studies analyzed in this review are prospective, controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCT) that have focused on documenting the therapeutic effect of ranibizumab and its safety, providing encouraging results.