Grant: Rapid Funding for DSEN Targeted Research

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among Americans over 40 years of age and affects more than 2 million Canadians over the age of 501. The advent and widespread use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF, e.g.: bevacizumab) has dramatically changed the management of neovascular AMD and other retinal conditions. Drug-related adverse events associated with anti-VEGF agents have been reported, but there is a paucity of real-world safety data. This study will examine ocular complications of anti-VEGF injections (including endophthamitis) given for neovascular AMD and other retinal conditions in population-based cohorts. The assessment will also include other serious adverse events, in particular thromboembolic events such as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.