Role of inhibition of angiogenesis in patients with diabetic retinopathy

Relevance. The proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy is characterized by angiogenesis, which is largely mediated by the vascular endothelial growth factor. Peripheral retinal laser coagulation has been standard treatment for PDR for many years, providing control of ischemia and reduction of vascular endothelial growth factor levels with subsequent regression of neovascularization. However, it leads to serious functional deficits and anatomical complications. The advent of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents has changed the future of PDR management and has provided an alternative to pan retinal photocoagulation. Their combination with panretinal photocoagulation may be effective for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and concurrent diabetic macular edema. Anti-VEGF therapy also takes place in surgery of complicated PDR. Purpose. To analyze the relevance of the use of anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy. Material and methods. The literature review is written using PubMed, Сochrane Library, 29 literature references published up to 2021. Results. In patients with severe cases, preoperative treatment is a gentle approach for the anatomic structures of the eye, it also contributes to the reduction in the number of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Conclusion. Preoperative treatment is a gentle approach for the anatomic structures of the eye, it also contributes to the reduction in the number of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Key words: anti-VEGF, diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy.