From the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Using data from the BRAVO and CRUISE studies, researchers evaluated the relationship of blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on progression of retinal nonperfusion (RNP) in patients with macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Instead of worsening RNP, ranibizumab reduced its occurrence compared with sham. The authors conclude that vascular occlusion constitutes the inciting event that has acute consequences such as retinal ischemia and increased levels of VEGF. The high VEGF then worsens retinal ischemia and promotes RNP. Timely anti VEGF treatment then prevents RNP from worsening and promotes perfusion. Ophthalmology, April 2013