VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is a protein that triggers new blood vessel formation in the eye by activating the cells lining normal blood vessels. These cells are called endothelial cells.
 
In wet AMD, VEGF is produced at higher than normal amounts in the retina. Excess VEGF prompts the growth of new blood vessels beneath the macula. These vessels are abnormal and leak fluid or even blood into the delicate tissues within the eye, damaging the macula and causing the loss of central vision.
 
Anti-VEGF therapies are drugs designed to reduce levels of the VEGF protein. Such treatments stop new blood vessels from growing, decrease the leaking fluid, and prevent bleeding, thereby saving vision.

There are five different VEGF inhibitors that have been proven to be effective for wet AMD:

• Macugen (Pegaptanib) – First VEGF inhibitor to be approved to treat wet AMD
• Lucentis (Ranibizumab) – Widely prescribed treatment for wet AMD
• Eylea (Aflibercept) – Approved in the United States to treat wet AMD and targets two angiogenesis factors
• Avastin (Bevacizumab) –  Cancer drug with anti-VEGF activity that has been used off-label by Retinal Specialists to treat wet AMD
• Beovu (brolucizumab) – Recently approved in the U.S. and Europe to treat wet AMD with potentially less frequent dosing

All anti-VEGF therapies for wet AMD are injected into the eye by a Retinal Specialist. Retinal Specialists are trained to perform this simple procedure so as to minimize pain and risk. The frequency of treatment is determined by the Retinal Specialist based on your condition.

Anti-VEGF therapies are all relatively safe treatments when given by trained Retinal Specialists.  All drugs, however, have risks that need to be balanced with their benefits.  For anti-VEGF therapies, those risks include:

• Eye infection
• Increased eye pressure
• Retinal detachment

Wet AMD is generally considered a chronic disease that requires lifelong monitoring and treatment. With the current anti-VEGF therapies, regular continuous treatments seem to be required to maintain control over angiogenesis and to preserve vision. If treatments are not followed according to the Retinal Specialist’s orders, vision may deteriorate and irreversible blindness may result. The length and frequency of treatment should be discussed with your Retinal Specialist.