Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Medications
Anti-VEGF medicines can slow the vision loss that is linked to wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These medicines block a protein that leads to the wet type of macular degeneration. This protein is called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF causes new abnormal vessels to grow in the eye. The growth of these abnormal vessels leads to macular degeneration.
Anti-VEGF medicines appear to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels that cause vision loss in wet AMD.8 Two examples of anti-VEGF medicines used to treat AMD are bevacizumab (Avastin) and ranibizumab (Lucentis). These medicines are injected into the eye.
Understanding Macular Degeneration -- Diagnosis and Treatment
Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will inspect the macula, the portion of the retina that is responsible for your central vision, as part of a comprehensive eye exam. If macular degeneration is suspected, a special photographic procedure using dye, called fluorescein angiography, may be performed. The test details the pattern of your eye's blood vessels and can detect a variety of abnormalities.
Read the Understanding Macular Degeneration -- Diagnosis and Treatment article > >
Anti-VEGF medicines are also known as VEGF inhibitors.
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