Intravitreal injections

Intravitreal injections of different drugs are a procedure for the treatment of different ocular pathologies.

The technique consists of applying the drug through an intraocular injection.

Lucentis (Ranibizumab) *

Lucentis is an antibody derived from Avastin, specifically designed for intraocular use. The Lucentis molecule is smaller than Avastin and binds to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A). Currently, Lucentis is the only angiogenesis-inhibiting treatment approved by the FDA for the treatment of Macular Degeneration in a “wet” way.

The results of the ANCHOR and MARINA research studies carried out in the United States, concluded that those patients treated with Lucentis managed to stabilize their vision in 90% of the cases, and 40% of the patients improved their vision, managing to see 3 lines more on Snellen’s primer. Treatment consists of 3 injections – one per month, for 3 months. More injections may be required depending on each patient.

Wetlia *
The fully human fusion protein engineered for increased anti-angiogenic activity, this treatment will provide a significant improvement in visual acuity in patients and provide long-lasting stabilization.

Treatment that reduces applications and potentially monitoring. She has been shown to improve and maintain vision with bimonthly administration, which represents more independence for her patients.

Avastin (Bevacizumab)

It is an antibody that binds to all forms of the natural human protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). This protein stimulates the growth of abnormal blood vessels within the eye, in addition to promoting the leakage of proteins, lipids, and water from the blood vessels. These processes are commonly observed in Diabetic Retinopathy, vascular occlusions, age-related macular degeneration and neovascular glaucoma.

Avastin is the first angiogenesis inhibitor to be commercially available. This prevents the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the eye and also significantly reduces Macular Edema, therefore very useful in the aforementioned conditions. Although the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States has not approved it for use in the eye, there are numerous studies that show that AVASTIN is safe and effective in treating these conditions.

* Only Lucentis and Wetlia are FDA approved.