Eye doctors use Avastin to treat several
eye and retina diseases, like age-related
macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is the leading cause of blindness
in people over 50 years of age in the
United States. AMD is caused by the
breakdown of the central portion of
the retina, called the macula (the highly
sensitive part of your eye that works
like the film in a camera). Avastin also
treats diabetic macular edema and
central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
The macula is responsible for the
detailed central vision in the eye,
enabling us to see fine print, recognize
faces, and drive our cars. There
are two types of macular degeneration:
dry and wet. In the wet form
of macular degeneration, abnormal
blood vessels grow in the back of the
eye. Some of these leak blood or fluid,
causing blurred or distorted vision.
Without treatment, vision loss can be
quick and severe.
There are other eye conditions that
cause loss of vision due to abnormal
growth of blood vessels in the back of
the eye, some of which can even occur
in young patients. These include high
myopia (nearsightedness), histoplasmosis,
angioid streaks, and eye injury.
Without treatment of this leaking,
vision loss can occur.
Chronic macular edema, or swelling
around the macula, is a condition that
affects vision but does not respond
well to the usual treatment drugs,
like eye steroids. It can occur with
conditions such as central retinal vein
occlusion and diabetic retinopathy.
Without treatment, vision loss could
get worse or become permanent.
POSSIBLE AVASTIN LIMITATIONS
The goal of Avastin treatment is to
prevent further loss of vision. Although
some patients regain vision,
the medication may not restore vision
that was already lost. Avastin may
not ultimately prevent further loss of
vision from the eye disease.
AVASTIN EYE TREATMENTS
After the doctor dilates the pupil and
numbs the eye with anesthesia, he
Avastin &
Retina Disease
A Cancer Treatment drug can
some retinal conditions.
MICHAEL TOLENTINO, MD
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