Avastin and Lucentis are both medicated injections used to stop the leakage and bleeding of abnormal blood vessels within the eye. These drugs block the chemical that abnormal blood vessels need to form, known as vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF for short. Avastin and Lucentis are both commonly referred to as anti-VEGF drugs.

Before receiving treatment with Avastin or Lucentis, your eye will be cleaned to prevent infection and a topicalanaestheticwill be used to numb the eye(s) receiving the injection. An anaesthetic injection will then be performed.The drug is then carefully and painlessly injected into the eye. This treatment is completed quickly and is typically finished within less than 10 minutes.

Recovery after Avastin or Lucentis Injections

The recovery time after receiving treatment with Avastin or Lucentis is minimal. Majority of patients experience no pain or discomfort and can return to their normal daily routine the day after receiving an injection of Avastin or Lucentis. 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 eyelasting longer than 3 days.
• Running discharge of fluids or pus from the eye

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. Patients undergoing treatment with Avastin or Lucentis need to follow up with their retinal specialist as scheduled.