Anti-VEGF Eye Injections tied to minor Increase in Stroke Risk, suggests research

A recent nationwide case-control study published in Acta Ophthalmologica found that intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) were associated with a small yet statistically significant increase in the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), especially within the first 60 days following treatment. Analyzing records for over 33,000 nAMD patients between 2007 and 2019, researchers identified 1,693 who experienced a stroke, with 936 occurring within 90 days after receiving anti-VEGF injections. Compared to non-users, patients had a 27% increased relative risk (RR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.22–1.33) of stroke or TIA in that window. The highest risks were observed within 30 days (RR = 1.36) and 31–60 days (RR = 1.40) post-injection, while stroke risk declined significantly between 61 and 90 days (RR = 0.58) PubMed.