The present review examined a variety of studies in models of DR and of other retinal diseases to highlight the co-occurrence of neuronal damage and VEGF upregulation (with the appearance of vascular lesions) as well as the concomitant neuroprotection and VEGF downregulation (with the amelioration of vascular lesions) in response to neuroprotective treatments. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is Abnormal retinal morphology.