Avastin is a medication that helps people with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It can also be used to treat diabetic eye disease and other retinal issues. It is injected into the eye to delay the loss of eyesight caused by certain disorders.
The medicine, bevacizumab, is known under the brand name Avastin. It prevents abnormal blood vessels in the rear of the eye from growing and leaking fluid. Wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss due to leaky blood vessels, which can cause vision loss.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Avastin to treat a variety of cancers. Its usage in the treatment of eye disorders is deemed “off-label.” The FDA allows doctors to use “off-label” drugs provided they are well-informed about the medication and studies show it is beneficial. Since its introduction in 2005, Avastin has been proved in numerous studies to be both safe and effective in treating eye disorders.
Other medications similar to Avastin include Lucentis® (ranibizumab) and Eylea® (aflibercept). Each of these medications has been shown to be beneficial in slowing vision loss, according to studies.
What Is the Mechanism of Action of Avastin?
VEGF, a biological molecule, is required for abnormal blood vessel growth. Avastin inhibits the formation of blood vessels in the eye by blocking VEGF. Anti-VEGF therapies are medications that prevent VEGF from creating problems.
Avastin Is Used to Treat a Variety of Disorders
The following eye disorders are treated with Avastin:
● Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
● Macular edema or swelling of the retina.
● Diabetic retinopathy
● Occlusion of the retinal vein
What Happens When You Take Avastin?
Your ophthalmologist will initially numb the eye to prevent pain during outpatient surgery. The Avastin is then injected straight into your eye by your doctor.
Your ophthalmologist will clean your eye and sedate it with medications before the surgery to prevent infection. The medicine is delivered through the white area of your eye with a very fine needle. Normally, the needle is not visible. These injections may need to be repeated over a period of months.
For the best chance of saving your vision, ophthalmologists may combine Avastin treatment with additional treatments.
What Are the Dangers of Taking Avastin?
Every treatment has the potential to cause harmful effects. It is critical to comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of any treatment you might receive.
The following are examples of common side effects:
● redness of the eyes
● having the sensation that something is in your eye
● eyes that are dry or uncomfortable
● discomfort in the eyes
● temporarily blurry vision
● floaters
If you experience any of these symptoms within a few days of starting Avastin treatment, contact your ophthalmologist right away.
