Access and Evidence Gaps in Retinal Vascular Diseases

In the final episode, “Access and Evidence Gaps in Retinal Vascular Diseases,” the panelists explored how extended dosing intervals, treatment durability, and evolving anti-VEGF therapies may influence healthcare resource utilization, treatment access, and long-term disease management in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The expert faculty discussed the economic and operational challenges associated with retinal vascular disease management, including the high cost of therapy, treatment burden, and the role of step therapy requirements in clinical practice.

The panel examined how longer dosing intervals with newer FDA-approved anti-VEGF therapies may reduce injection burden and improve treatment durability compared with older therapies or off-label treatment approaches. The discussion also addressed physician perspectives on treatment selection, including concerns related to medication preparation, storage, and maintaining access to FDA-approved therapies that may better support long-term disease control and patient outcomes.

In addition, the expert faculty explored several evidence gaps that remain within retinal vascular disease management. These included the need for more direct head-to-head comparative studies evaluating durability and treatment intervals across available anti-VEGF therapies, as well as the need for future therapies targeting additional biologic pathways beyond VEGF inhibition. The panel emphasized that while current therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes, opportunities remain to further optimize durability, efficacy, and individualized treatment strategies. Throughout the discussion, the panel highlighted the importance of balancing clinical efficacy, treatment burden, healthcare resource utilization, and patient-centered care as the retinal vascular disease landscape continues to evolve. Thank you for watching this AJMC series on retinal vascular diseases. Please subscribe to our newsletter for information on upcoming video series.