Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major sight-threatening cause in diabetic patients. We review the long-term outcome of four approved pharmacotherapy for treating DME, including intravitreal injections of corticosteroids (dexamethasone implants and fl uocinolone acetonide inserts) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (ranibizumab and aflibercept). They all show superior ability to improve vision and reduce macular thickness, comparing with sham injections or macular focal/grid laser treatment. Anti-VEGF agents result in low incidence of severe ocular or systemic adverse effects, but glaucoma and cataract should be aware after intravitreal corticosteroids. Prompt treatment with these agents can lead to a better outcome.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major sight-threatening cause in diabetic patients. We review the long-term outcome of four approved pharmacotherapy for treating DME, including intravitreal injections of corticosteroids (dexamethasone implants and fl uocinolone acetonide inserts) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (ranibizumab and aflibercept). They all show superior ability to improve vision and reduce macular thickness, comparing with sham injections or macular focal/grid laser treatment. Anti-VEGF agents result in low incidence of severe ocular or systemic adverse effects, but glaucoma and cataract should be aware after intravitreal corticosteroids. Prompt treatment with these agents can lead to a better outcome.

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) can cause severe visual impairment in highly myopic patients. We review the randomized trials of two approved pharmacotherapy for treating mCNV, including intravitreal injections of ranibizumab and afl ibercept. These two vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists show superior ability to improve vision and reduce macular thickness, comparing with sham injections or verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT). There is no severe ocular or systemic adverse reaction reported in studies associated with ranibizumab and afl ibercept for mCNV. Prompt treatment with these agents can lead to a better outcome.

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) can cause severe visual impairment in highly myopic patients. We review the randomized trials of two approved pharmacotherapy for treating mCNV, including intravitreal injections of ranibizumab and afl ibercept. These two vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists show superior ability to improve vision and reduce macular thickness, comparing with sham injections or verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT). There is no severe ocular or systemic adverse reaction reported in studies associated with ranibizumab and afl ibercept for mCNV. Prompt treatment with these agents can lead to a better outcome.