Pre-operative intravitreal anti-VEGF injection before vitrectomy for severe PDR is administered approximately 3–7 days before surgery primarily to:

• A Permanently resolve macular edema and avoid the need for surgery
• B Reduce intraoperative bleeding by causing regression of neovascular vessels ✓
• C Improve corneal clarity before surgery
• D Prevent post-operative endophthalmitis

Explanation

Pre-operative anti-VEGF (e.g., bevacizumab) injected 3–7 days before vitrectomy for PDR significantly reduces intraoperative hemorrhage by causing neovascular vessel regression. This facilitates dissection of fibrovascular membranes and lowers the risk of iatrogenic breaks. Injection more than 7 days prior may lead to membrane contraction and worsening TRD. It does not treat macular edema definitively or prevent endophthalmitis.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.