Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections are a common treatment for various eye conditions. Let me provide you with some information about them:

1. What is VEGF?
   • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein produced by cells in your body. It plays a crucial role in promoting the growth of new blood vessels when needed.
   • However, sometimes cells can produce too much VEGF, leading to abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. These abnormal vessels can cause damage and vision problems.
2. Conditions Treated with Anti-VEGF Medicine:
   • Ophthalmologists use anti-VEGF medicines to treat several eye problems, including:
     • Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
     • Swelling of the retina (macular edema)
     • Diabetic retinopathy
     • Retinal vein occlusion.
3. Types of Anti-VEGF Treatments:
   • There are three main anti-VEGF medicines:
     • Avastin
     • Lucentis
     • Eylea
   • These drugs are generally considered safe and effective for treating retinal diseases. Studies have shown that both Lucentis and Avastin are effective for wet AMD treatment.
   • The differences among these medications relate to cost, packaging, and potential risks associated with packaging.
4. How Anti-VEGF Treatment Is Given:
   • Anti-VEGF injections are administered by ophthalmologists. Here’s what you can expect during the treatment:
     • Your eye will be cleaned to prevent infection.
     • The eye is numbed to reduce pain.
     • A thin needle is used to inject the drug through the white part of your eye.
     • The injection takes only a few seconds, and you usually won’t see the needle itself.
     • Your ophthalmologist will determine the number of treatments you need, and sometimes other treatments may be combined with anti-VEGF therapy.

Remember that anti-VEGF injections are generally safe and have very few side effects. If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

DR. MARC MANGAHAS (Thursday/Friday/Saturday 09:00-12:00) 0999-525-2987 & 0955-662-7837