Lucentis is a drug used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also used to treat diabetic eye disease and other problems of the retina. It is injected into the eye to help slow vision loss from these diseases.
Lucentis is the brand name for the drug, which is called ranibizumab. It blocks the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the back of the eye. Those blood vessels can leak and affect vision, causing vision loss from wet AMD and diabetic eye disease. Other conditions such as a retinal vein occlusion or histoplasmosis can also be treated with Lucentis.
Avastin (bevacizumab), is another drug like Lucentis. Avastin was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat different types of cancer. Its use to treat eye disease is considered an “off-label” use. The FDA allows “off label” drug use if doctors are well informed about the product and studies prove the drug is helpful. Lucentis may also be used "off-label" for some retinal conditions. Many studies have shown Avastin as safe and effective for eye disease since it was first used in 2005.
Research shows that Lucentis and Avastin are both effective in slowing vision loss.
How does Lucentis work?
Abnormal blood vessels need a body chemical called VEGF to grow. Lucentis blocks VEGF, slowing the growth of blood vessels in the eye. Drugs that block the trouble-causing VEGF are called anti-VEGF drugs.
What conditions are treated with Lucentis?
Lucentis is used to treat the following eye problems:
What happens during Lucentis treatment?
During an outpatient procedure, your ophthalmologist first numbs the eye to block pain. Then your doctor injects the Lucentis directly into your eye.
Before the procedure, your ophthalmologist will clean your eye to prevent infection and numb your eye with medicine. A very thin needle is passed through the white part of your eye and the drug is injected. Usually you do not see the needle itself. You may need to continue having these injections over many months.
Sometimes ophthalmologists will combine Lucentis treatment with other treatments for the best chance of saving your vision.
What are the risks of Lucentis treatment?
Every treatment can have side effects. It is important to understand the benefits and risks of any treatment you might have.
Common side effects include:
Any eye injection, including Lucentis, may cause these problems, which are very rare:
For about 24 hours after injection, it is normal to feel like there is something in the eye, and to have mild eye pain and light sensitivity if your pupil was dilated. If these or any other side effects last longer, please contact your ophthalmologist right away. Eye redness or a bloody eye can last for a few days.
If you have any questions about your eyes or your vision, be sure to ask. Your ophthalmologist is committed to protecting your sight.