Anti-VEGF therapy is a treatment that blocks a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF plays a crucial role in the growth of abnormal blood vessels, which can lead to complications in certain eye diseases and cancers. By blocking VEGF, this therapy helps stop or slow the development of these harmful blood vessels. Doctors often use anti-VEGF therapy to treat eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. If not treated, these diseases can lead to vision loss. Anti-VEGF therapy helps prevent further damage by reducing the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
In some cancers, anti-VEGF therapy cuts off the blood supply to tumours, slowing their growth. This treatment is usually given by injection directly into the eye for eye diseases, or by IV for cancer patients. Anti-VEGF therapy is considered adequate; however, regular treatments may be necessary to maintain the results. Individuals receiving this treatment should follow up with their healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any side effects.
Anti-VEGF therapy is typically used for eye conditions and some cancers. Here's how symptoms may appear:
Eye-related conditions:
Blurry vision is often the first sign of macular degeneration.
Distorted vision: Straight lines may appear wavy.
Dark spots in your central vision.
Vision loss: Gradual or sudden loss of central vision.
Retinal swelling: May cause pain and increased pressure.
Cancer-related conditions:
For certain cancers, the symptoms may include:
Uncontrolled tumour growth occurs due to abnormal blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tumour.
The conditions treated by Anti-VEGF therapy are often caused by abnormal blood vessel growth:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): This condition occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leading to vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy: Caused by damage to blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes.
Cancer: Some cancers stimulate the growth of blood vessels to supply the tumour with nutrients.
For eye conditions, seek medical help if you experience:
Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness, distortion, or dark spots.
Loss of central vision.
Eye pain, swelling, or redness.
Difficulty seeing in low light or noticing color changes.
For cancer-related treatments, regular monitoring and doctor visits are crucial to assess treatment progress and side effects.
Age: AMD primarily affects people over 50.
Diabetes: Diabetic retinopathy is common in people with poorly controlled blood sugar.
Smoking: Increases the risk of AMD.
Family history: Genetic factors can increase the risk of AMD.
Obesity: Linked to both cancer and eye conditions.
High blood pressure: Can damage blood vessels, including those in the eye.
For eye-related conditions:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A scan that creates detailed images of the retina to detect swelling or abnormal blood vessels.
Fluorescein Angiography: A dye is injected into your arm, and pictures of your retina are taken to see if abnormal blood vessels leak.
Visual acuity tests: Measure how well you can see letters from a distance.
For cancer-related conditions:
CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans: Used to monitor tumour growth and blood vessel development.
Blood tests: Measure tumour markers to monitor cancer progression.
Do's:
Attend follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups are crucial for monitoring progress.
Take medications as prescribed: To reduce inflammation and discomfort after the injection.
Report any vision changes: Contact your doctor immediately if you notice worsening vision or the development of new symptoms.
Use the prescribed eye drops, if provided, to prevent infection or irritation.
Rest after treatment: Avoid strenuous activity on the day of the procedure.
Don'ts:
Avoid rubbing your eyes: This could introduce bacteria and cause an infection.
Don't skip appointments: Missing injections or follow-ups can worsen conditions.
Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of macular degeneration and other eye problems.
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 24 hours, especially after eye injections.
Disclaimer:
Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's essential to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.
For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:
American Academy of Ophthalmology | Anti-VEGF Treatments
National Institutes of Health (.gov) | Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs for Age
Healthline | What to Expect During an Anti-VEGF Treatment
National Institutes of Health (.gov) | A Brief History of Anti-VEGF for the Treatment of Ocular
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Saba holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacy from Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi and possesses a deep understanding of medical subjects. She is an experienced teacher and is passionate about health education. She has a remarkable talent for transforming complex medical concepts into engaging, accurate, and impactful content to inspire healthier living. With a deep scientific understanding and thorough research, Saba consistently supports her writings with the latest publications, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
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