antiVEGFhoidolla

antiVEGFhoidolla refers to the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in the treatment of eye diseases characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage. These therapies aim to reduce retinal or choroidal neovascularization and vascular permeability, thereby stabilizing or improving vision.

Anti-VEGF agents work by inhibiting VEGF, a protein that promotes new vessel formation and increases vascular leakage. Drugs used include bevacizumab (used off-label for ocular conditions), ranibizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab, and faricimab. Bevacizumab is a full-length antibody used off-label; ranibizumab is an ocular-specific antibody fragment; aflibercept is a fusion protein acting as a decoy receptor for VEGF-A and VEGF-B (and placental growth factor); brolucizumab is a smaller antibody fragment; faricimab targets VEGF-A and Angiopoietin-2.

Indications cover major retinal vascular diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy with macular edema, and macular edema from retinal vein occlusion. They may also be used for other ocular neovascular conditions as appropriate.

Administration is via intravitreal injection, usually performed in a clinical setting. Dosing regimens vary and can include fixed monthly injections, as-needed (PRN) dosing, or treat-and-extend strategies, depending on the drug and the patient’s disease activity and response.

Efficacy is demonstrated by gains or stabilization in visual acuity and reductions in central retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography. Safety considerations include risk of endophthalmitis, intraocular inflammation, and transient intraocular pressure rise; systemic risks are considered low but are discussed with patients.

Monitoring involves regular eye examinations, vision testing, and OCT imaging to assess fluid status and treatment response. Long-term anti-VEGF therapy requires ongoing assessment of risks, benefits, and treatment burden.