Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is commonly known among diabetic patients, which causes blindness. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and macular edema are the most common complications of DR that adversely impact the vision. Many observational and preclinical studies have implicated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of DR, and recent successes with anti-VEGF therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have prompted research into the application of anti-VEGF drugs to DR. Here we review the numerous early studies that suggest an important potential role for anti-VEGF agents in the management of diabetic retinopathy.