GCEO Group®What does anti-VEGF mean?
VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein involved in blood-vessel growth. Too much activity can contribute to abnormal vessels and leakage in certain retinal diseases. Blocking it helps reduce swelling and damage.
[1]What is the treatment trying to reduce?
Abnormal vessels can leak fluid
Treatment aims to reduce leakage
Which conditions can benefit?
- Wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration.
- Diabetic macular oedema and some forms of diabetic retinopathy.
- Macular swelling caused by a retinal vein blockage.
- Certain other conditions with abnormal new vessels, assessed by a retina specialist.
Anti-VEGF treatment is suitable for particular retinal conditions, rather than every cause of poor vision. Your diagnosis determines whether it may help.
[2]Which medicine will I receive?
Examples include aflibercept (Eylea), ranibizumab (Lucentis) and faricimab (Vabysmo). Bevacizumab (Avastin) is also used for eye disease, often outside its licensed indication (off-label). Your clinician explains the proposed medicine, local approval, benefits and risks; there is no single choice for everyone.
[2][7]Before and during the appointment
Tell the team about allergies, infection, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and a recent stroke or heart attack. Bring your medication list and follow the clinic's instructions; do not stop prescribed medicines yourself. Arrange transport because eye drops and treatment can blur vision.
[4][5]- The team checks the correct eye, your sight and any scans needed.
- Numbing drops and antiseptic are used. A small clip may keep the eyelids open.
- A fine needle delivers medicine through the white of the eye into the vitreous, the gel inside the eye. The injection itself is brief.
Why are repeat injections and scans needed?
The effect wears off, so many patients need repeated injections. Treatment is often more frequent initially, then adjusted using vision and OCT scans. Keep appointments and contact the clinic if one is delayed. Feeling better does not mean it is safe to stop treatment yourself.
[3][4]The goal is usually to maintain vision and sometimes improve it. Treatment may not recover sight already lost, and results depend on the underlying condition.
[5]What should I expect afterwards?
A gritty feeling, a small red patch on the white of the eye, temporary blur or a few floaters can occur. They should settle rather than worsen. Avoid rubbing the eye and follow the clinic's advice about drops, washing, swimming, contact lenses and driving. Make sure you have an urgent contact number before leaving.
[6][4]What are the risks?
Uncommon serious complications include infection inside the eye, inflammation, retinal detachment, bleeding or raised eye pressure. Your clinician discusses risks for the specific medicine and your health, including any relevant history of stroke or heart disease.
[4]When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent eye assessment immediately for increasing or severe eye pain, worsening redness, light sensitivity or reduced vision after an injection. These can signal infection or another complication. New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters or a curtain over vision also need urgent assessment. Do not wait for your next routine appointment.
[6][5]References and further reading
- AAO — Anti-VEGF treatments
- National Eye Institute — Injections to treat eye conditions
- National Eye Institute — Treatments for wet AMD
- Cambridge University Hospitals — Intravitreal anti-VEGF injection
- Dorset County Hospital — Anti-VEGF injection treatment
- University Hospital Southampton — Anti-VEGF injection aftercare
- AAO — What is Avastin?
Related patient resources
Patient information supports discussion with your eye-care professional.