A clinical perspective on retinal neovascularization research

Past research on retinal neovascularization forms the basis for our current primary and secondary preventive approaches toward its treatment. Several obstacles will probably delay the clinical application of angiogenic or antiangiogenic factors once these factors are satisfactorily identified. In the near future, however, the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study should at least provide further insight into primary preventive efforts against the diabetic neovascular process. Overall, it appears that clinicians in the future must continue to rely on current modalities for the treatment of retinal neovascularization. Although new laser protocols or medications may be recommended, specific therapy targeted at the basic underlying mechanism of angiogenesis still seems to be in the distant future.