What is Anti-VEGF Treatment?
A proven method of treatment for wet macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor injections, or VEGF. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor chemicals cause the growth of abnormal blood vessels behind the retina. Anti-VEGF injections contain medications that prevent abnormal blood vessels from forming behind the retina, reducing the possibility of scaring the macula from blood or other fluids leaking from these abnormal vessels. Less scarring of the macula means that vision loss is slowed, and may be improved with ongoing treatment.
*Anti-VEGF Treatment Success Rate: Anti-VEGF injections have shown to slow vision loss and may improve vision in 1 out of 2 patients using the treatment.
Some examples of Anti-VEGF injection medications are Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea. Dr. Roger Adler, our retina specialist at Bond Eye Associates, uses either Avastin and Eylea to treat patients with wet macular degeneration depending on the patients specific needs. Dr. Adler will thoroughly examine your eyes and determine which medication is best, how many treatments you need and if there are any additional treatments that should be given along with the anti-VEGF injections. In some cases a steroid injection called OZURDEX® will be used in combination with the anti-VEGF injection.
About the Procedure:
- Step #1: The eye area is cleaned to reduce the chance of infection, and then a numbing drop is administered to reduce pain. A small device called a lid holder is placed on your eye to keep your eyelids out of the way.
- Step #2: Using a very thin needle, Dr. Adler will inject the medication ( Avastin or Eylea) in the back of your eye. The injection only takes a few seconds.
Anti-VEGF treatment is very effective in treating wet macular degeneration, however, just like any other drug or surgery, there are risks involved including infection or damage to the eye. Dr. Adler will answer all of your questions regarding Anti-VEGF injections and help you understand the risks and benefits associated with this treatment.
Call us at (800) 243-2020 to schedule your appointment to learn more about anti-VEGF treatment.
