Risk of geographic atrophy in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents

Eye (Lond). 2017 Jan;31(1):1-9. doi: 10.1038/eye.2016.208. Epub 2016 Oct 7.

Abstract

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal agents are the only successful treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, there are emerging signals that anti-VEGF treatment can potentially increase development of geographic atrophy (GA). Histopathologic, animal, and clinical studies support this hypothesis although direct proof of a relationship between GA and use of anti-VEGF agents in neovascular AMD is not yet established. This review presents current evidence supporting an association between anti-VEGF therapy and progression of geographic atrophy. The need of exploring alternative methods of treating AMD is indirectly but clearly emphasized.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / drug therapy
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Geographic Atrophy / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Macular Degeneration / complications
  • Macular Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A