Vasoproliferative Tumors in Ocular Health

Vasoproliferative tumours of the retina are uncommon, benign lesions characterised by exuberant growth of blood vessels and glial elements. They may arise de novo or secondary to inflammatory, degenerative or traumatic conditions, and typically present as orange–pink, nodular masses in the peripheral retina. Exudation from leaky vessels can lead to subretinal fluid, macular oedema and, in advanced cases, epiretinal membrane formation or vitreous haemorrhage. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination supported by imaging techniques such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Management ranges from careful observation in asymptomatic cases to focal interventions—cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy and intravitreal anti-VEGF agents—to limit exudation and induce lesion regression. Surgical approaches, including pars plana vitrectomy with direct tumour resection, have been refined to restore retinal anatomy and improve visual outcomes in lesions complicated by secondary membranes or haemorrhage. Despite their benign histology, these tumours carry a significant risk of vision loss through secondary retinal damage and persistent exudation. Growing insight into the molecular drivers of vascular proliferation and glial cell behaviour promises to inform novel, targeted therapies and to optimise the timing and combination of existing modalities.

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Vasoproliferative Tumors in Ocular Health publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in vasoproliferative tumors in ocular health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Vasoproliferative tumour: A benign retinal lesion composed of proliferating vascular and glial cells that often leaks fluid.

Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of the vitreous gel to access the retina and treat pathological lesions.

Laser photocoagulation: Application of focused laser energy to coagulate abnormal retinal vessels and induce lesion regression.

Epiretinal membrane: Fibrocellular tissue on the retinal surface that can contract and distort underlying retina.

Fluorescein angiography: Imaging technique using fluorescent dye to visualise retinal blood flow and vessel leakage.

Optical coherence tomography: Non-invasive imaging modality that provides cross-sectional views of retinal layers and fluid accumulation.

References

1. Case Report: Exacerbation and Spontaneous Separation of the Epiretinal Membrane Following Laser Photocoagulation of a Vasoproliferative Tumor of the Retina. Frontiers in Medicine (2022).
2. Comparative Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Tumor Resection in Vitrectomy for Retinal Vasoproliferative Tumors. Journal of Ophthalmology (2019).