Ranibizumab for the treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema: evidence from recent clinical trials

摘要

Diabetic macular edema is the most common cause of visual impairment among diabetic patients. VEGF plays a major role in the pathogenesis of retinal edema in this context, as it induces angiogenesis and increases the permeability of retinal vessels. Inhibiting therapies are being studied, and ranibizumab - a recombinant humanized antibody fragment - has been approved for intravitreal use. Ranibizumab has been shown to improve functional and anatomical outcomes at 24 months, according to recent studies that compared it with standard focal/grid photocoagulation treatment, however, longer follow-up is needed to assess how this improvement is maintained over time. Guidelines for scheduled visits and retreatment have to be established to guarantee maximum effectiveness.