Retinal Neovascularization Is Suppressed With a Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor

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Abstract
RETINAL neovascularization is a leading cause of blindness in a variety of clinical conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal vein occlusion. Left untreated, these conditions can result in intraocular hemorrhage and retinal detachment leading to severe visual loss. Current laser treatment for these diseases, although successful in slowing the growth of new vessels, is not optimal. This treatment may result in the loss of peripheral and night vision, and the disease may progress despite treatment. It is well accepted that hypoxia occurs in these clinical conditions and leads to an initiation of the angiogenic process in the retina.1,2 Numerous angiogenic factors are present during the development of retinal neovascularization,3,4 among which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is currently thought to be the major mediator of neovascularization.5-7