ANTI-VEGF THERAPY FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most severe complications of diabetes mellitus, requiring the participation of doctors of various specialties: endocrinologists, diabetologists, therapists, cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists and others. The task of an ophthalmologist is to identify pathological changes in the eye associated with diabetes mellitus and prescribe appropriate treatment. There are three main methods for treating diabetic retinopathy: laser coagulation of the retina; intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF and glucocorticoids; vitreoretinal surgery. This literature review examines the use of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. In particular, it discusses the most relevant drugs, the most important studies on the therapy of DR and diabetic macular edema, as well as a post hoc analysis of these studies. In addition, the role of these drugs in the therapy of refractory DME is discussed.