Intravitreal therapy for the management of diabetic retinopathy: A concise review

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and may result in irreversible visual loss. Laser treatment has been the gold standard treatment for diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy for many years. Of late, intravitreal therapy has emerged as a cornerstone in the management of DR. Among the diverse pharmacotherapeutic options, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have demonstrated remarkable efficacy by attenuating neovascularization and reducing macular edema, thus preserving visual acuity in DR patients.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy; Intravitreal therapy; Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor; Macular edema; Proliferative diabetic-retinopathy

Core Tip: Intravitreal therapy has revolutionized the treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR). The various treatment options include intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, triamcinolone acetonide and steroid implants. Intravitreal therapy can be used for the management of Diabetic Macular Edema and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Additionally, corticosteroids have shown promising results by exerting anti-inflammatory effects and stabilizing blood-retinal barrier integrity. Recent advancements have introduced novel agents targeting various pathways implicated in DR pathogenesis, such as angiopoietin-2 and integrins, offering potential avenues for tailored therapeutic interventions. This review aims to comprehensively examine diverse facets of intravitreal therapy concerning the management of DR and its associated complications.