Pathological ocular angiogenesis

Pathological ocular angiogenesis is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of new blood vessels within ocular tissues, such as the retina or choroid, and is a hallmark of vision-threatening conditions like neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic retinopathy (StatPearls, 2023). This process is primarily mediated by the overexpression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which triggers endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and increased vascular permeability (PubMed, PMID: 30107340). The resulting vessels are often fragile and leaky, leading to fluid accumulation, hemorrhage, and fibrovascular scarring that can cause permanent vision loss (NIH, 2022). Pharmacological management centers on the use of anti-angiogenic agents, particularly monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins that neutralize VEGF-A or dual-target VEGF and Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2021). While these therapies have revolutionized ophthalmic care, they require frequent intravitreal injections and are associated with risks such as endophthalmitis and intraocular pressure elevation (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Other names

Ocular neovascularizationPathological retinal angiogenesisChoroidal neovascularizationRetinal neovascularization

Inhibition of pro-angiogenic signaling pathways, primarily the VEGF and Ang-2 pathways, to prevent endothelial cell proliferation and reduce vascular leakage.