antiVEGFinjektsioone

Anti-VEGF injections are intravitreal medications that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the retina and choroid. By reducing edema and neovascularization, they can stabilize or improve vision in several retinal diseases.

Common indications include neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion–related macular edema. Less common indications include choroidal neovascularization from high myopia and other ischemic retinal conditions. Drugs used include bevacizumab (used off-label for ocular disease), ranibizumab, aflibercept, and newer agents such as brolucizumab and faricimab; biosimilars are also used in some settings.

Administration is intravitreal injection performed in a clinic. A topical anesthetic and antiseptic are used; the eye is typically prepared with povidone-iodine, and the injection volume is small (around 0.05 mL). Patients usually require regular injections, often monthly at first, followed by a treat-and-extend or PRN schedule based on response and imaging findings.

Benefits include stabilization or improvement of vision and reduction of retinal thickness on imaging. Risks are generally low but include endophthalmitis, intraocular inflammation, transient increases in intraocular pressure, and, rarely, retinal detachment or arterial thromboembolic events. Patients are monitored with eye examinations and imaging, such as optical coherence tomography, to guide treatment.

Outcomes depend on disease severity and adherence to the treatment plan; ongoing maintenance therapy is often required for chronic conditions.