Vascular endothelial growth factors and their inhibitors in ocular neovascular disorders

The introduction of pharmacotherapy has been one of the most important advances in the management of retinal disorders. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was once considered as an irrepressible disease leading to permanent macular damage, however anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are now believed to halt the progression of the condition and improve vision in a considerable proportion of patients. Anti-VEGF agents are among the most commonly used drugs in ophthalmology but questions and uncertainties still surround their indications, efficacy and complications. This paper reviews the role of VEGF under physiologic and pathologic conditions in the eye and available anti-VEGF agents in current ophthalmic practice.