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

Laura Distefano, Anna Espax Boixadera, Charlotte Wolley-Dod, Vicente Martnez-Castillo, Jose Garcia-Arumi

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.