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What Is Aflibercept?

Aflibercept is an anti-VEGF medicine injected into the eye to treat certain retinal diseases. It blocks vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein that can cause abnormal blood vessels and fluid leakage in the retina. Aflibercept is used for wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema after retinal vein occlusion, and some cases of retinopathy of prematurity. It is sold under names such as Eylea and Eylea HD.

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What Is Aflibercept?

Aflibercept is an anti-VEGF medicine injected into the eye to treat certain retinal diseases. It blocks vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein that can cause abnormal blood vessels and fluid leakage in the retina. Aflibercept is used for wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema after retinal vein occlusion, and some cases of retinopathy of prematurity. It is sold under names such as Eylea and Eylea HD.

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How Does Aflibercept Work?

In some retinal diseases, excess VEGF causes weak new vessels to grow or leak fluid into the retina. Aflibercept binds VEGF and reduces its ability to activate blood vessel growth and leakage. This can reduce swelling in the macula and help stabilize or improve vision. The medicine is injected into the vitreous, the gel-like space inside the eye.

What Conditions Can Aflibercept Treat?

Aflibercept is used for eye conditions where retinal swelling or abnormal blood vessels threaten vision. These include wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema from retinal vein occlusion. Some formulations are also used for retinopathy of prematurity in eligible infants. The treating ophthalmologist chooses the product, dose, and schedule based on the diagnosis and response to treatment.

What Happens During An Aflibercept Injection?

The eye care team cleans the eye area, uses numbing medicine, and applies antiseptic before the injection. A tiny amount of aflibercept is placed inside the eye with a fine needle. The visit can include vision checks, eye pressure checks, and retinal imaging. Patients should follow aftercare instructions and report pain, worsening redness, or sudden vision changes right away.

How Long Does Aflibercept Treatment Continue?

Treatment schedules vary by condition, product, and response on retinal imaging. Some patients start with monthly injections, then move to longer intervals if fluid stays controlled. Others need closer follow-up or a different anti-VEGF medicine if the retina does not respond well. Stopping or delaying injections without medical guidance can allow retinal fluid or bleeding to return.

FAQs About Aflibercept

Is aflibercept the same as Eylea?

Yes, Eylea is one medicine name for aflibercept. Eylea HD is a higher-dose aflibercept product used for selected retinal conditions.

Is aflibercept a steroid?

No, aflibercept is not a steroid. It is an anti-VEGF medicine that targets blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina.

Can aflibercept cure wet AMD?

No, aflibercept does not cure wet age-related macular degeneration. It can help control leakage and swelling, but continued monitoring and repeat treatment can be needed.

Can you drive after an aflibercept injection?

Do not drive until your vision is clear and you feel safe to do so. Blurry vision, irritation, or dilating drops can affect vision after the visit.

Reference

Aflibercept Intraocular Route. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/aflibercept-intraocular-route/description/drg-20075363. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Aflibercept. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582136/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26857947/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

EYLEA Prescribing Information. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. https://www.regeneron.com/downloads/eylea_fpi.pdf. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

EYLEA HD Prescribing Information. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. https://www.regeneron.com/downloads/eyleahd_fpi.pdf. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.