Anti-VEGF therapy in retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)is an immature proliferative retinal vascular disease that may lead to permanent blindness in preterm infant. Retinal laser photocoagulation is used for ablation of peripheral retina and treatment of ROP, however, it is destructive. Especially for the cases with lesions in Zone I region, retinal laser photocoagulation may cause severe complications. Recently, studies have demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of ROP, and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents can not only effectively impede ROP progression, but also gain timing for revascularization of a vascular retinal region. This article reviews the treatment indications, drug selection, injection site, dosage recommendation, follow-up of efficacy and complications of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of ROP.

Keywords

• retinopathy of prematurity
• vascular endothelial growth factor
• anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents