What Is VEGF and Anti-VEGF?
VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor. It’s a signal protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels, which is useful when you have a wound or injury that needs healing.
But in certain retina diseases, something goes wrong. VEGF levels spike too high, triggering the growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath your macula (macula is the central part of your retina). These damaged blood vessels can easily bleed and damage your central vision.
Retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration(AMD) are the main cause of vision loss among older adults. Majorly, there are two types of macular degeneration: dry AMD and wet AMD. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) injections are the common treatment option for wet AMD.
This blog provides a guide on anti-VEGF injections, how they work, what the procedure involves, Cost, actual effectiveness, potential risks, and recovery experience. If you’re considering this treatment or have been recommended it by your retina specialist in Delhi, this article helps you know more about this retinal treatment method.
How Do Anti-VEGF Injections Work?
Anti-VEGF Injections help you block the VEGF protein and prevent further growth of new blood vessels. The medication is injected directly into the vitreous (the gel-like substance present in your eyeball). Existing fluid gets reabsorbed, and your retina gets a chance to stabilise. These injections are an effective treatment for people having wet AMD.
Retina Diseases Treated with Anti-VEGF Injections
Anti-VEGF injections treat several different eye conditions.
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Myopic macular degeneration (MMD)
- Diabetic macular oedema (DME)
- Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
Anti-VEGF Medication Options
There are four anti-VEGF medications available right now, and your retina specialist in Delhi will decide which treatment option is best based on your eye condition, vision level, and how your eyes will respond to treatment.
- Lucentis (Ranibizumab)
- Eylea (Aflibercept)
- Beovu (brolucizumab)
- Avastin (Bevacizumab)
- Vabysmo (Faricimab)
Don’t worry, your retina specialist will decide which medication suits your situation best, considering your condition, budget, and lifestyle.
Related Read: Retina Surgery Success Rates in Delhi: What to Expect from Top Eye Care Specialists
What is the Procedure of Anti-VEGF Treatment?
Here’s how the anti-VEGF injection treatment is given.
Your Retina specialist starts by cleaning your eye with an antiseptic solution to reduce infection risk. Next, they apply numbing eye drops so that you won’t feel pain.
A small tool speculum is used to gently hold your eyelids open. You’ll be asked to look away from the syringe during the actual injection, and within a few seconds drug will be injected into the vitreous.
After the medication is administered, your eye is rinsed with sterile saline solution.
How Effective Are Anti-VEGF Injections?
Anti-VEGF effectiveness depends on the specific eye condition and the medication used. For wet AMD, approximately 1/3 of patients experience noticeable vision improvement. Even more importantly, about 9/10 people see their vision loss slow down or stop entirely. Anti-VEGF treatment might not work equally well for everyone.
Note – Retina surgeons at AK Institute of Ophthalmology(AKIO) will monitor your eye issue through regular imaging and vision testing to ensure you’re getting the best results.
Key Information – Success rates exceed almost 90% when treated promptly at the AK Institute of Ophthalmology with expert Retina Surgeons.
Risks and Side Effects of Anti-VEGF
Anti-VEGF injections are safe, but like any medical procedure, it has certain common side effects.
- Temporary eye redness
- Mild discomfort
- dryness and itching.
- Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic or saline solution
- Eye pain & eye redness
Most resolve on their own within days. An allergic reaction to the numbing drops or saline solution occasionally occurs. If you experience any unusual symptoms after your injection, consult with your doctor immediately.
Also Read: Myopia and Retina Degeneration: What You Need to Know About Protecting Your Vision
Expert Anti-VEGF Treatment at AK Institute of Ophthalmology (AKIO) – Best Retina Hospital In Delhi
When it comes to retinal treatment like anti-VEGF, AK Institute of Ophthalmology (AKIO) offers the best treatment with decades of expertise from retina specialists and cutting-edge technology.
Padma Shri Dr Atul Kumar
Dr Atul Kumar leads the AK Institute of Ophthalmology with over 41 years of surgical experience. After completing his MD from AIIMS and earning his FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, he trained extensively in the USA. He introduced 3D micro-incision retinal procedures to India, a first in the country. Known as the “Father of Macular Hole Surgery,” Dr Atul Kumar has received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
Also Read: Atul Kumar (ophthalmologist)
Dr. Aman Kumar
A Gold medalist from PGI Chandigarh, completed his senior residency and training at AIIMS, New Delhi. He specialises in both retina and cataract treatments, having performed over 20,000 complex retina surgeries and 45,000 cataract surgeries. His research earned best paper awards at the American Academy of Ophthalmology conferences in 2018 and 2019.
Anti-VEGF injections are eye care’s most effective treatment option for wet macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, or retinal vein occlusion.
AK Institute of Ophthalmology (AKIO) has the best retina surgeon in Delhi with who will thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss anti-VEGF therapy options, explain the complete treatment procedure, review costs tailored to your specific needs, and answer all your questions about recovery and outcomes. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. Don’t let retinal disease progress unchecked. Vision loss is preventable. Contact the AK Institute of Ophthalmology to schedule your appointment.