Synergistic effects of traditional Chinese medicine and anti-VEGF therapy on diabetic retinopathy progression: Insights into pharmacological mechanisms and clinical outcomes

This study investigated the effects of combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with anti-VEGF therapy in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). A total of 119 cases with DME were divided into the anti-VEGF treatment group (n=56) and the combination treatment group, which received both anti-VEGF and TCM (n=63). At six months, the anti-VEGF group exhibited greater visual acuity improvement, while the combination group showed more significant reduction in macular thickness. Quality of life scores were higher in the combination group. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between the combined therapy and enhancements in visual acuity and macular thickness. The addition of TCM to anti-VEGF therapy offers potential pharmacological benefits, supporting improved clinical outcomes in DME patients. These findings suggest a promising integrative approach for enhancing visual and quality of life outcomes in DR management. Future research should focus on investigating the long-term effects of combining TCM with anti-VEGF therapy, particularly in relation to sustained improvements in visual function and macular thickness. Additionally, exploring the specific pharmacological mechanisms by which TCM enhances anti-VEGF treatment efficacy could provide valuable insights into optimizing therapeutic strategies for DR patients.