What Is Avastin and How Does It Treat Wet AMD?

Quick answer: Avastin (bevacizumab) is an anti-VEGF medication injected into the eye to slow vision loss in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal blood-vessel diseases. It blocks the growth of the abnormal, leaky vessels that damage central vision.

How Avastin works

Abnormal blood vessels in the eye grow using a chemical called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Avastin is an anti-VEGF drug that blocks VEGF, slowing those vessels so they're less likely to leak and scar the macula. A chemically similar drug, Lucentis (ranibizumab), is FDA-approved for wet AMD; an NEI-funded study found the two have equal effect on visual acuity. Avastin's use in the eye is a well-established off-label use.

What it treats

Avastin is used for wet AMD, which damages the macula, the center of the retina responsible for fine, detailed central vision. About 90% of AMD is the "dry" form (Avastin doesn't treat dry AMD); roughly 10% is "wet," where leaking vessels can cause fast, severe central vision loss. Avastin is also used for macular edema from diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.

What treatment involves

Your ophthalmologist injects Avastin directly into the eye in a quick outpatient visit after numbing the eye. Treatment is usually repeated on a schedule your retina specialist sets based on how you respond.

Macular degeneration care at West Boca Eye Center

West Boca Eye Center in Boca Raton, with Dr. Brent Bellotte, evaluates and treats wet AMD and retinal disease. Learn more about macular degeneration care.