Modern AMD therapy

The treatment of wet macular degeneration distinguishes between two types of injections: Lucentis (ranibizumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab). A decision is made after consulting with the patient. It should be noted that Avastin is not a legally approved drug in Germany. In our Eye Clinic at Spreebogen both drugs (Lucentis and Avastin) are succesfully used as inhibitors of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). The effect of the injected drug is to inhibit the growth of blood vessels and cause a decrease in retinal swelling. The injection usually has to be repeated several times. During a brief surgical procedure, the active ingredient is injected into the vitreous.

Depending on the specific case and with special permission from the patient, Professor Tetz performs the Avastin and Triamcinolone injections using a laser-guided catheter as the only surgeon worldwide. Here, the drug is placed directly under the affacted part of the retina.