INJECTION TREATMENT OF MACULAR DEGENERATION
Injection Treatment:
Currently, the most common and effective clinical treatment for Advanced Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration is anti-VEGF therapy – which is periodic intravitreal (into the eye) injection of a chemical called an “anti-VEGF”. VEGF Trap-Eye from Regeneron) is one form of anti-VEGF therapy, and recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Other variants of anti-VEGF injections include ranibizumab (Lucentis, made by Genentech), and bevacizumab (off label Avastin from Genentech). Each of these chemicals works in a different way to inhibit blood vessel growth. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved injection treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The treatment, known in the scientific literature as VEGF Trap-Eye, was approved at a recommended dose of 2 mg every four weeks for the first twelve weeks, followed by 2 mg dose every two months (1 & 2). How it Works : Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a naturally-occurring protein in the body, and its normal role is to trigger formation of new blood vessels, supporting the growth of the body’s tissues and organs. However, in certain diseases, such as wet age-related macular degeneration, it is also associated with the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye, which results in scarring and loss of central vision. It works to inhibit the binding and activation of VEGF receptors. Treatments are administered as an intraocular shot. Having regular shots in the eye may take some getting used to, but the treatment is actually short and pain-free because your eye will be anesthetized. It is not recommended for patients with ocular or periocular (around the eye) infections, active intraocular inflammation, or known hypersensitivity to aflibercept or to any of the excipients in this Intravitreal injections, including those with have been associated with endophthalmitis (inflammation of tissues with in the eye) and retinal detachments. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay and should be managed appropriately. Acute increases in intraocular pressure have been seen within 60 minutes of intravitreal injection, including with this medicine. Intraocular pressure and the profusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored. There is a potential risk of nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or vascular death. Serious adverse reactions related to the injection procedure have occurred in less than 0.1% of intravitreal injections with ,including endophthalmitis, traumatic cataracts, and increased intraocular pressure. The most common adverse reactions reported in patients receiving were conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataract, vitreous detachment, vitreous floaters and increased intraocular pressure. Other Options : Aside from other variants of anti-VEGF injections, there are other treatments to explore, as well as lifestyle changes, sight tracking, and other ways to work with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Op.Dr.Ahmet UMAY
