Macular Degeneration Anti-VEGF Injections do not raise risk of stroke or death

A recent study concluded that anti-VEGF therapy for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) does not increase the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction or death. The retrospective study results were published in the online edition of JAMA Ophthalmology, January 31.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic examined the data from 504 patients who had received at least one anti-VEGF injection between the years of 2004 and 2013. Three control groups were established: patients with wet AMD; patients with dry AMD; and patients without AMD. Results indicated that there was no statistically significant increase in the five-year risk of cardiovascular events in patients with wet AMD that was treated with anti-VEGF therapy.

While researchers were pleased with the study results, they did note the need for additional studies to determine whether there are differences in the association of risk among anti-VEGF agents.