Age-related macular degeneration and cardiovascular disease in the era of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies.

摘要

THE INTRODUCTION OF THERAPIES BLOCKING VASCU-lar endothelial growth factor (VEGF) represents a landmark in the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).1'2 It is now standard practice for clinicians to offer intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents, principally ranibizumab or bevaci-zumab, as the first-line treatment for neovascular AMD.A major concern regarding anti-VEGF treatment is the potential increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD).3 Thus, it is important to reexamine carefully the relationship of AMD and CVD in the context of anti-VEGF therapies. In particular, there are four questions relevant to clinicians.