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Avastin

What Is Avastin?

Avastin is a prescription medication that can slow the progression and treat macular degeneration and neovascular glaucoma. Avastin is the trade name for bevacizumab, a drug that inhibits the development of new blood vessels. Avastin is most widely used in the treatment of a number of cancers including colorectal, kidney and lung cancers.

Avastin has also proven successful in treating a number of eye diseases that damage the retina and contribute to progressive vision loss. In many retinal diseases, the abnormal growth of blood vessels causes fluid to leak into the layers of the retinas, causing the layers of the retina to separate or macular scars to form.

The growth of the blood vessels is caused by a protein known as VEGF. Avastin is an anti-VEGF drug and works by blocking the VEGF protein from stimulating blood vessel development. Avastin can effectively prevent further vision loss in some eye diseases by slowing the growth of new blood vessels that can lead to retina damage. Drugs like Avastin and other anti-VEGF medications can help patients with age-related macular degeneration enjoy an improved quality of life.

Avastin is administered via intravitreal injections, or injections directly to the eye. Small amounts of Avastin are administered through a very slender needle into the corner of the eye. Most patients require multiple injections, sometimes indefinitely, to see the desired outcomes. The eyes are thoroughly numbed prior to the injections, and there is no pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Avastin Treat Other Vision Conditions?

The drug bevacizumab has also shown promise in the treatment of diabetic macular edema and neovascular glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist will help you determine if Avastin is the best option for your unique needs.

How Can I Get Avastin Treatment?

If you have been told your case of wet macular degeneration could benefit from treatment with Avastin, American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates can help. One of our world-renowned ophthalmologists will thoroughly assess your condition and medical history before recommending Avastin or any other medication; your eye doctor will also review any risks and potential side effects with you in detail.

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