Eye Vein Blockages can be treated

Fluid buildup behind the eyes can lead to swelling and leaky vessels. Macular edema is the name for this condition. It can cause blurred vision, eventually leading to blindness if it is not treated. One cause is retina vein occlusions. This is caused by blockages of veins in your retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back and the back of the eye. New research has shown that blocking the veins can have long-lasting effects.

The study involved two drugs, aflibercept or Eylea and bevacizumab. Each block a group of molecules known as VEGFs. Macular edema is caused by VEGFs being released when blood flow is interrupted.

Researchers treated 330 patients with macular edema due to severe retinal vein blocksages. For a minimum of six months, participants received injections with anti-VEGF drugs once a month. Participants continued treatment at the discretion of their doctors after one year.

Participants were evaluated five years later by the research team. The majority of doctors decreased the number of injections within 12 years. Some doctors switched patients to another anti-VEGF drug. Many patients saw a sharpening of their eyes after five years. This was compared to the beginning of the study. Both drugs had similar results.

” This five-year study tells a lot about the reality of retinal vein obstruction patients in real life,” said Dr. Ingrid U. Scott, Penn State University. It also highlights the need for disease monitoring and individual treatment in order to have the best vision .”

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