Is There a Relationship Between Use of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents and Atrophic Changes in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients?

Abstract

Choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently treated successfully with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal agents. Emerging evidence suggests that anti-VEGF treatment may potentially increase development of geographic atrophy. However, there is not yet direct proof of a causal relationship between geographic atrophy and use of anti-VEGF agents in neovaskuler AMD. The aim of this review is to discuss the evidence concerning the association between anti-VEGF therapy and progression of geographic atrophy.

Keywords

• Anti-VEGF agents
• geographic atrophy
• age-related macular degeneration