Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections are a relatively new treatment that can be used to improve or stabilize vision in patients suffering from retinal diseases. Their use hinders the activity of a protein called VEGF, which is known to encourage the development of abnormal blood vessels. Learn more about this innovative treatment for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other serious conditions below.
Who Can Benefit From Anti-VEGF Treatments?
Because they slow the growth of blood vessels in the eye, anti-VEGF eye injections can also slow the rate of vision loss caused by retinal disorders and, in some cases, increase visual acuity.
Here are some of the conditions that these injections are used to treat:
- Macular degeneration – This eye disease progressively deteriorates the macula, resulting in patients losing the ability to see fine details and engage in activities such as driving and reading.
- Macular edema – A swelling of the retina and accumulation of fluid in the macula, this condition may result from leaking blood vessels and often causes blurry or distorted vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy – A serious complication of diabetes, this condition affects the blood vessels within the retina and can lead to blindness without proper treatment.
- Retinal vein occlusion – Caused by a blockage, usually a clot, in the central vein of the retina or smaller branches, this condition reduces blood flow and causes sudden vision loss.
How Do Anti-VEGF Eye Injections Work?
To determine whether anti-VEGF eye injections might be the best treatment option for your situation, reach out to Sight360 and request an eye examination with one of our highly skilled ophthalmologists.
Should you choose to continue with anti-VEGF treatment, numbing drops will first be placed in your eyes to reduce any discomfort that could be caused by the injection. Once the numbing has taken hold, the ophthalmologist will use an extremely thin needle to insert the anti-VEGF medication inside your eye. The needle will penetrate the white part of your eye, called the sclera, in order to reach the clear, gel-like substance in the middle, known as the vitreous. The injection process will only take a few seconds, and it is designed to be pain-free.
After the numbing has subsided, you might notice side effects such as a bit of soreness in your eye, blurry vision, or even floaters. These symptoms are normal and should resolve relatively quickly. If you encounter eye swelling or increasing redness, it’s important to consult with your eye doctor right away, as these could be signs of complications.
While anti-VEGF injections are considered to be a highly effective treatment for stabilizing or improving vision, this effectiveness is only maintained through a regular, indefinite treatment schedule. In some cases, the necessary frequency is once every four to six weeks.
Anti-VEGF Injections vs. Laser Treatment
Laser therapy is another popular approach used to treat retinal conditions and is often compared to anti-VEGF injections. While laser treatment can seal leaking blood vessels and actually destroy abnormal vessels, it can also do damage to healthy tissue. Anti-VEGF treatments, in contrast, address the underlying biology to stop abnormal blood vessels from appearing in the first place. In some cases, the two treatments may be used in combination as part of a specific treatment regimen.
Where to Turn For Anti-VEGF Injections?
If you are in need of anti-VEGF injections for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or another condition, the local experts at Sight360 can help you get the treatment you need. Contact us today to learn more about our highly skilled ophthalmologists and personalized approach to vision care.
