Complications of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs

Michael      Tolentino

Abstract

The development of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is both revolutionary and unprecedented in the history of ophthalmology. In the past ophthalmic drugs have been the reformulations of previously well characterized systemic drugs. Anti-VEGF therapies for retinal diseases represent the first time that systemic and ocular complications are being initially defined by the ophthalmic profession. The purpose of this chapter is to review both the described and potential complications of Anti-VEGF therapies. This chapter will describe obvious associated complications such as endophthalmitis and elevated intraocular pressure and non obvious complications such as exacerbation of hypertension, increased risk of thromboembolic events, renal thrombosis and issues with surgical wound healing.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration, intravitreal injections, vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, treatment, physiology, Endophthalmitis, Ganglion Cell Changes, Geographic Atrophy, Vitreous Hemorrhage