Anti-VEGF Injections

The treatment of several retinal diseases has been revolutionized by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs like Lucentis (ranibizumab), Eylea (aflibercept), Avastin (bevacizumab), and the newest FDA approved drug, Beovu (brolucizumab-dbll). All are specific for targeting and blocking VEGF.

VEGF triggers the growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization). When this occurs in the retina, especially the macula, this can lead to vision loss. Lucentis and Eylea have been approved for the treatment of wet macular degeneration. All three drugs have been used successfully to treat this disease when they are injected into the eye, into the vitreous cavity (intravitreal).

Other diseases where these drugs are being used include retinal vein occlusions, diabetic retinopathy, intraocular tumors, and others. Newer drugs are always being investigated to improve even further on the positive outcomes of these drugs, as they do not represent a cure of any of these diseases, such that retreatment is often necessary.