In an unadjusted linear regression analysis, the rate of change of eGFR over time was not significantly associated with the number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (β = 0.04, CI: − 0.02, 0.09; p = 0.21) and remained non-significant following adjustment for T2DM, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), hypertension and treatment with proton pump inhibitors (β = 0.04, CI: − 0.02, 0.09; p = 0.22). Here, VEGFA is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.