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An anti-VEGF injection is a retinal treatment that places medicine into the eye to block vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. VEGF can drive abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina. By blocking VEGF, these injections can reduce swelling, bleeding, and fluid that threaten vision. The medicine is given as an intravitreal injection by an ophthalmologist.
read more about antivegf injection ...Anti-VEGF medicines bind to VEGF or block its activity inside the eye. This helps reduce leaky or abnormal blood vessels that can damage the macula and retina. Less leakage can help stabilize vision and, in some patients, improve vision. Because VEGF activity can return, treatment can require repeated injections.
Anti-VEGF injections are used for wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema from retinal vein occlusion, and selected cases of myopic choroidal neovascularization. These conditions can involve abnormal vessels, retinal swelling, or leakage. The treatment goal can be vision improvement, vision stabilization, or reduced retinal fluid. The schedule depends on the diagnosis and retinal imaging results.
Common anti-VEGF medicines include ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab, faricimab, and brolucizumab. Some are FDA-approved for specific retinal diseases, while bevacizumab is widely used off label in eye care. Biosimilar versions are also available for some anti-VEGF medicines. The ophthalmologist chooses the medicine based on the condition, response, risk profile, and access.
Temporary redness, irritation, floaters, or a gritty feeling can happen after an anti-VEGF injection. Rare but serious risks include infection inside the eye, retinal detachment, inflammation, bleeding, and increased eye pressure. Patients should call the eye doctor right away for worsening pain, increasing redness, light sensitivity, sudden vision loss, or thick discharge. Follow-up exams and imaging help guide the next injection interval.
The eye is numbed before the injection, so most patients feel pressure or brief discomfort rather than strong pain. Worsening pain after the visit should be reported right away.
No, anti-VEGF injections do not cure wet age-related macular degeneration. They can control leakage and swelling, but ongoing monitoring and repeat treatment can be needed.
The schedule depends on the retinal condition, medicine, and response on imaging. Some patients start with frequent injections, then move to longer intervals when the retina stays stable.
Examples include aflibercept, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, faricimab, and brolucizumab. The ophthalmologist chooses the medicine based on the diagnosis and treatment response.
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Treatments for Wet AMD (Advanced Neovascular AMD). National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration/treatments-wet-amd-advanced-neovascular-amd. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Intravitreal Injections - 2025. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/education/clinical-statement/intravitreal-injections-statement. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Label: EYLEA- aflibercept injection, solution. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=f96cfd69-da34-41ee-90a9-610a4655cd1c. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
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