Radiation retinopathy intricacies and advances in management

Semin Ophthalmol. 2022 May 19;37(4):417-435. doi: 10.1080/08820538.2021.2000623. Epub 2021 Dec 7.

Abstract

Background: Radiation retinopathy is a chronic, progressive, vision-threatening complication from exposure to various radiation sources. While several treatment modalities are available, proper management for this disease is a continuing challenge with no consensus on the most efficacious.

Objective: The aim of this article is to provide an updated review of the published literature on the course of the disease, available treatments and their efficacies, frequency of regimen, core issues in patient management, and additional newer treatment modalities, including possible prophylactic approaches.

Value: We also highlighted the challenges encountered with managing chronically treated patients through an analysis of a clinical case report on a patient who was treated for several years with different modalities after a diagnosis of radiation retinopathy.

Keywords: Intravitreal anti-VEGF; Radiation retinopathy; aflibercept; bevacizumab; corticosteroids; maculopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use
  • Diabetic Retinopathy* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Radiation Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Radiation Injuries* / etiology
  • Ranibizumab / therapeutic use
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Retinal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Retinal Diseases* / etiology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Bevacizumab
  • Ranibizumab