Retina Surgery

Eylea Injections

Eylea is a drug that prevents the growth of abnormal blood vessels within the eye. It is important to stop for formation of these blood vessels, as they’re prone to bleeding and leakage of fluids into the eye, which damages vision.For these abnormal blood vessels to form, they need a chemical called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF for short. Eylea inhibits the binding and activation of VEGF receptors, which prevents the abnormal blood vessels from growing. Eylea is commonly referred to as anti-VEGF drugs.

One of the main differences between Eylea and other anti-VEGF drugs, such as Avastin or Lucentis, is that Eylea injections requires less frequent injection treatment and monitoring requirements. Patients’ typically only need to receive Eylea 8 times per year, whereas with Avastin Or Lucentis, patients need to return for treatment every month.

During scheduled treatments with Eylea, your eye will first be cleaned to prevent infection. A topicalanaesthetic will used to numb the eye(s) receiving the injection. Eylea is then carefully and painlessly injected into the eye. This treatment is completed quickly and is usually finished within less than 10 minutes. After which patients are free to return home.

Recovery after Eylea Injections

The recovery time after receiving treatment with Eylea is minimal. Majority of patients experience no pain or discomfort and can return to their daily routine the day after receiving an Eylea injection. The eye(s) may appear bloodshot after treatment, but this is normal.

However, if patients experience any of the following symptoms, they should contact their retinal specialist immediately:

  • Pain
  • Blurry or decreased vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Redness in the treated eye(s) lasting longer than 3 days
  • Running discharge of fluids or pus from the eye(s) that received treatment

Avoid rubbing or touching the eye for the first 2 days after treatment. If the eye continues to feel irritated, use a fresh bottle of artificial tears to lubricate and soothe the eye.

Be sure to keep the eye clean and avoid getting any water in the eye for the first 2 days. A prescription for antibiotic eye drops will be given for use after each treatment, patients need to use these drops as directed by their retinal specialist. Patients undergoing treatment with Eylea needs to follow up with their retinal specialist as scheduled.