BEVACIZUMAB (AVASTIN) ANTI-VEGF INTRAVITREAL INJECTION

OVERVIEW

Bevacizumab (Avastin) Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection is a sight-saving treatment used to control abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage inside the eye. Doctors use this medicine to manage several common retinal diseases that can cause blurred or distorted vision. During treatment, your ophthalmologist places a very small amount of medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye using a sterile technique. As a result, the drug acts where it is needed most.

HOW IT WORKS

Bevacizumab blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that triggers abnormal blood vessel formation and fluid leakage in the retina. When VEGF levels rise, the retina can swell or bleed. Therefore, vision may drop. This anti-VEGF medicine reduces leakage and slows harmful vessel growth. Over time, many patients experience more stable vision, and some gain visual improvement.

COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED

Your retina specialist may recommend Bevacizumab injection for the following conditions:

1. Wet age-related macular degeneration

2. Diabetic macular edema

3. Retinal vein occlusion with macular edema

4. Other retinal diseases with neovascularization or fluid leakage

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS DONE

The procedure takes only a few minutes in a clinic procedure room. First, the eye is cleaned and numbed with anesthetic drops. Next, your doctor performs the injection using sterile instruments. Most patients feel mild pressure but not sharp pain. Afterward, you can usually go home the same day. However, you must follow all post-procedure instructions carefully.

BENEFITS OF TREATMENT

Early and regular treatment helps protect vision. In many cases, injections reduce retinal swelling and bleeding. As a result, they help prevent further vision loss. Clinical studies and large meta-analyses show that anti-VEGF therapy is an effective standard of care for several retinal diseases. Outcomes improve further when patients return for scheduled follow-up and repeat injections when needed.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS

Most patients tolerate the injection well. Still, some may notice temporary redness, irritation, or floaters. Less commonly, increased eye pressure, inflammation, bleeding, cataract, or infection can occur. Although serious complications are rare, they require urgent care. Therefore, you should report severe pain, marked redness, or sudden vision loss right away.

AFTERCARE AND FOLLOW-UP

You may resume light activities soon after treatment. Avoid rubbing the eye and keep it clean. Use prescribed eye drops if advised. In addition, attend all follow-up visits so your doctor can monitor your response and adjust the treatment plan. Retinal diseases often need a series of injections, not just one session.

IMPORTANT NOTES

This treatment is evidence-based and widely used in retinal practice. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your condition, discuss expected benefits, and explain alternatives when appropriate. Individual results vary; therefore, regular monitoring remains essential for the best visual outcome.