Anti-VEGF injections are given as an adjunct before diabetic vitrectomy primarily to:

• A Reduce intraocular pressure during surgery
• B Prevent post-operative cataract formation
• C Accelerate recovery of the blood-retinal barrier
• D Induce regression of fibrovascular membranes and reduce intraoperative haemorrhage ✓

Explanation

Pre-operative intravitreal anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) given 3–7 days before vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy causes involution of the fibrovascular membranes (contraction and whitening), greatly reducing their vascularity. This makes membrane peeling safer and significantly reduces intraoperative bleeding, operative time, and endodiathermy use. It has no significant effect on IOP, cataract, or blood-retinal barrier recovery per se.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.