Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy
Avastin® is
a cancer treatment drug now being used to treat diabetic retinopathy.
It is being administered as an "off-label" medication for intravitreal
injection across the country by retinal specialists with very exciting
results for treating macular edema caused by diabetic retinopathy. Avastin®
works by blocking a substance known as vascular endothelial growth factor
or VEGF. Blocking or inhibiting VEGF helps to prevent further growth of
the abnormal blood vessels that grow with diabetic retinopathy. However,
intravitreal injection of Avastin® has not yet been FDA approved for use
in the U.S. (as of March 2006). We do not yet know the long-term risks
and benefits of using Avastin®. Eye drops that numb the surface of the
eye are used for this injection procedure. Intravitreal injection of Avastin
requires close follow-up, and is repeated as necessary. This treatment
is now covered by insurance.