Avastin and Lucentis are examples of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs which are given by injection into the eye at monthly intervals. VEGF has been found to have very profound effects in the disease processes associated with diabetic retinopathy and is involved in both macular oedema and proliferative disease. A 6 month course of Lucentis was shown to reduce excess foveal thickness by 85%. However, the results were quite variable between patients and the effects on vision relatively modest, despite the improved retinal anatomy. In another study, a series of avastin injections was shown to improve visual acuity more at 3 weeks than laser photocoagulation. By 12 weeks, however, there was the little difference between the 2 groups. To date, no trials have compared these drugs with laser for proliferative disease, but anecdotal reports suggest they are extremely effective in the short-term.