Cataract Treatment in Vileparle and Santacruz
Cataract Diagnosis & Treatment
Anti VEGF Injections
What is VEGF?
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor abbreviated as VEGF is a naturally produced protein in the human body. It is primarily responsible for the creation and maintenance of fresh blood vessels. However, VEGF may trigger the development of abnormal blood vessels in situations where the body functions are interrupted, such as diabetic retinopathy, blood vessel blockage, and age related macular degeneration. These abnormal vessels become prone to bleeding and leakage, resulting in scar formation and a gradual loss of vision.
How are these Anti VEGF Injections different from one another?
| Bevacizumab | Ranibizumab | Aflibercept | Bevacizumab | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Molecule |
Monoclonal antibody |
Antibody fragment
|
Fusion protein
|
Single chain antibody |
|
FDA approval |
Not approved |
Approved |
Approved |
Approved |
|
Intravitreal anti VEGF activity |
4 weeks |
4 weeks |
Upto 12 weeks |
Upto 12 weeks |
What are the common conditions treated with Anti VEGF Injections and their benefits?
| Disease | Pathology | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
Wet age related macular degeneration |
Ruptured vessels at the back of the eye leak fluid and blood, causing a gradual drop in vision
|
Abnormal vessels regress with resorption of fluids with subsequent improvement of vision
|
|
Diabetic macular edema |
Leakage of fluid at the back of the eye leading to swelling and vision drop |
Control leakage and reduce swelling
|
|
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy |
Abnormal vessels on the retina that bleed
|
Lapse of abnormal vessels
|
|
Retinal vein occlusion |
Swelling of the retina due to hindrance of retinal blood vessels
|
Resolution of swelling with improvement of vision
|
How do I choose the type of Anti VEGF Injections?
Appropriate medication will be recommended by a doctor performing an examination based on the specific disease and overall health status. Immediate treatment is required where continuing bleeding or leakage of fluids in the back of the eye called the macula occurs. Appropriate imaging tests are performed by the doctor to check, measure, and monitor the progress of the disease. The condition of vision will be assessed and indicate further need to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment.
- After clinical examination, relevant scans, and formulating diagnosis, the doctor will discuss the available options with the patient.
- In the operating theatre, an anti VEGF agent is administered to the eye using a fine needle under sterile conditions.
- The eye is numbed with a topical anesthetic.
- Cleaning of eyes and surrounding structures with an antiseptic solution is done, protective sheet called a curtain around the eye is applied.
- Eyelids are kept open with a clip called an eyelid speculum.
- The drug is injected through the white part of the eye through a fine needle
- A gentle massage is done at the injection site after injection.
- The eye clip is taken out, antibiotic drops are injected into the eyes.
- After injection in the eyes, antibiotics are prescribed for use.
- Bevacizumab
- Ranibizumab
- Aflibercept
- Brolucizumab
