What is Lucentis therapy?
Lucentis therapy is a treatment for wet-type macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, myopic macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion. It involves painless injections of medication into the eye to stop abnormal, leaky blood vessels. It is also used in the treatment of other retinal disorders.
How effective is Lucentis therapy?
Lucentis was proven in extensive studies to be very effective. In wet-type macular degeneration, a large study showed that monthly injections of Lucentis over a two-year period offered a 90% chance of stable or improved vision. Similar benefits are seen in other retinal conditions as well. Currently, therapy often starts with monthly injections until maximal vision is restored. Afterwards, the injections may be given less frequently to maintain stable vision. In some cases, the medication may be stopped and the eye kept under careful observation for reactivation. There are several medications in this class; the best choice of medications depends on the underlying diagnosis.
What are the risks of Lucentis therapy?
Severe complications are very rare, but risks of Lucentis injection include bleeding, infection, glaucoma, retinal detachment, cataract, and loss of vision/loss of the eye. The risk of retinal detachment is about 1 in 5,000 injections, but the results of surgical repair are poor. There may be an increased risk of difficultly with future cataract surgery estimated to be about 1% of cases. In these cases the fibers (zonules) that hold the cataract in place may become weakened from Lucentis injection. When this occurs, special techniques are required to remove the cataract and place a lens implant. Rarely, two procedures are required to accomplish the task. Studies are ongoing to determine if there may be an increased risk of stroke with AMD therapy. Currently, it appears that Lucentis places a patient at lower risk of stroke and heart attack compared with the other medications used to treat macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.(Reibaldi 2022) Pregnancy should be avoided while on Lucentis therapy.
What do I expect after a Lucentis injection?
Be careful not to rub the eye after the injection because the eye may remain anesthetized for several hours. You may be given eye drops and instructions on how to use them. Physical activity is not limited after the injection. Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be used if there is discomfort after the injection, but severe pain should be reported to your doctor without delay. It is normal to experience a red area on the white of the eye, which disappears in one to two weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office.
For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email. We are unable to provide consultation for those living outside the state of Florida.
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