Anti-VEGF therapy may revolutionize ROP treatment

A single intravitreal injection of an anti-VEGF agent in babies with retinopathy of prematurity

induces regression of pathological neovascularization and  also promotes resumption of

physiological vascularization of the retina, Tim U Krohne MD of the University of Bonn Eye

Clinic told the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus. As such, it could

eliminate the need to ablate avascular retina tissue and has the potential to revolutionize ROP

treatment.

However, several issues must be addressed before anti-VEGF is adopted, Dr Krohne said. These

include establishing the smallest effective dose and assessing safety with particular attention to

systemic side effects. Injection sight is also an issue since premature infant eyes are very small.