Anti-VEGF Treatment and Macular Atrophy: A Review

Abstract

Since the introduction of anti-VEGF drugs as a therapeutical approach for neovascular age-related macular degeneration that this has remained the only clearly effective treatment to fight the progression of the disease. The possibility of a larger development of macular atrophy in the eyes of treated patients, however, has been raised in recent years.

Nowadays, it is still difficult to assess clearly if the identified macular atrophy in this context is due, truly, to anti-VEGF drugs, or, on the other hand, if it merely reflects the natural progression of age-related macular degeneration.

With the elaboration of this paper, it was intended for one to evaluate the results of the leading studies published on the subject, and to apprehend the validity of the main hypothesis that try to explain the verified association. To do that, a research using the online database PubMed was made, being selected the studies with the higher relevance. Subsequently, one proceeded to a comparative analysis of said studies.

It was not possible to obtain an unequivocal answer on the proposed topic. The limitations in contrasting the different studies were ascertained, and the various factors involved in potentially discrepant conclusions were explored. Nonetheless, it has been made clear that the most recent scientifical evidence attests the safety of anti-VEGF drugs. Its use is strongly encouraged in the context of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and any potentially existing risk is largely outweighed by its unmistakable benefits.