VEGF
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Plain-language definition
A signaling protein promoting new blood vessel growth. In eye disease, excess VEGF drives abnormal vessel growth and leakage in wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy.
Where this term comes up
“These medications are placed inside the eye, where they block vascular endothelial growth factor - VEGF, the signal that tells fragile abnormal vessels to grow and leak.”
Treatment · Anti-VEGF Injections (Intravitreal Injections)
“Block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.”
Treatment · Intravitreal Injection
“Retinal cells release growth factors (especially VEGF)”
Condition · Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
- Category
- Test or diagnostic term
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Diagnostic terms describe tests, measurements, imaging, or exam techniques used to understand eye and neuro-ophthalmic problems.
Related glossary terms
- anti-VEGF
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
- macula
Central Retina
- ranibizumab
Lucentis (Anti-VEGF)
- bevacizumab
Avastin (Off-Label Anti-VEGF)
- aflibercept
Eylea (Anti-VEGF)
- hemorrhage
Bleeding
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.