title: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness, with an increasing incidence as the elderly population expands. Large, multi-center, randomized, clinical trials have been conducted exploring the safety and efficacy of anti-VEGF treatments. This paper aims to discuss the safety and efficacy of pegaptanib, ranibizumab, aflibercept and bevacizumab. New therapeutic agents and treatment strategies are also discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evidence available from prospective, multicenter, clinical studies and from a selective literature search is utilized to present the results of VEGF inhibition in neovascular AMD and to generate evidence-based recommendations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Anti-VEGF treatment is indicated in choroidal neovascularization with active disease and produces a significant benefit in visual acuity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With the advent of anti-VEGF therapy, the prognosis of choroidal neovascularization has changed dramatically. Data from well-conducted clinical trials suggest that approved anti-VEGF drugs are effective and well tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Veritti
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sarao
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lanzetta
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D006801:Humans; D000069579:Ranibizumab; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D057135:Wet Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C533178:aflibercept; C495058:pegaptanib; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D000069579:Ranibizumab