In an unadjusted analysis the rate of change of ACR over time was not significantly associated with the number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections increased (β = 0.01, CI: − 0.19, 0.22; p = 0.91) and remained non-significant following adjustment for T2DM, CVD, and treatment with beta blockers and proton pump inhibitors (β = 0.02, CI: − 0.19, 0.23; p = 0.86). This evidence concerns the gene VEGFA and type 2 diabetes mellitus.