Avastin eye injections treat severe conditions like wet AMD and diabetic macular edema. They may cause side effects but knowing what to expect can help you navigate your path to treatment.
What Are Common Side Effects?
Most people experience mild side effects around the time of the Avastin injection, which resolve within days.
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Mild Side Effects
Redness or irritation of the eye is the most common complaint; however, the patient may also experience temporary blurriness immediately after the injection. Some patients also feel increased eye pressure. This is usually a short-lived effect.
Other mild side effects may include watery eyes and mild headaches, and it is not unusual to be light sensitive for one or two days. Many people have described a feeling similar to having something stuck in their eye.
Seeing floaters is another widespread side effect. The eye may also feel dry or itchy. Most eye discomfort subsides in a few hours after the injection.
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Temporary Discomfort After Injection
Discomfort can develop around an hour after the injection in some cases, possibly due to corneal abrasion. Most side effects resolve without continued activity and are more ameliorated through lubricating eye drops.
What Are The Serious Side Effects?
Serious side effects can occur, though they are rare. Seeking medical attention for any of these side effects is extremely important.
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Eye-Related Complications
Endophthalmitis is a severe, urgent eye infection that may occur after an intraocular injection. Retinal detachment is rare, but a serious complication that could occur after an eye injection. Severe eye pain with inflammation should not be ignored.
If vision loss occurs, seek medical care immediately. Cataracts will appear as a cloudy area in your eye lens. Retinal tears and vitreous hemorrhage may also occur; however, this is unusual.
The intraocular pressure can rise after a steroid injection. Corneal abrasions may also occur and can be extremely painful. Retinal artery occlusion is also a serious complication that can occur with eye injections, as blood flow can become disrupted.
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Systemic Complications
High blood pressure could become problematic in some patients. If taking blood thinners, there may be a higher risk of bleeding. Stroke or blood clots are infrequent occurrences for patients receiving eye treatment. However, they may not be as rare for patients receiving Avastin treatment for cancer.
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Rare But Severe Side Effects
Any allergic reaction that causes swelling or difficulty breathing needs to be addressed promptly by a medical professional. Severe infection, indicated by pus-filled globs, is also a problem and a red flag. Severe swelling around the eye should be checked out as well.
A heart attack is an infrequent complication. Conjunctival hemorrhage causes bleeding on the white of your eye. Flashes in your eye or a sudden increase in floaters should be evaluated immediately.
When Should You Notify Your Doctor?
Recognizing the signs of a sight-threatening problem is essential, especially to minimize vision loss.
This may require immediate medical care.
Notify your eye doctor if you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or red eye. Any significant pain or vision loss that continues after the day of injection is dangerous and you should contact your eye doctor if you have that problem. It is not normal to have severe pain or intense redness in your eye. If you develop fever, swelling, or discharge that suggests possible infection, you will need immediate medical care.
If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or develop chest pain, seek immediate care. Severe, persistent eye pain could indicate a serious problem. If you see a curtain or veil in your vision, get help immediately.
If vision is significantly decreased, it should never be ignored. An increase in floaters is concerning if there is a significant change from before; some floaters are normal (i.e., mild). A red eye is concerning and likely a sign of infection.
Avastin Injection: Management Of Side Effects
Proper eye care after the injection will prevent many complications.
Do not rub your eye for at least 24 hours after the injection. Rubbing your eye may increase the chance of a corneal abrasion. Use your antibiotic drops as prescribed, and remember they are used to minimize the chances of infection.
Avoid swimming or contact lenses for 2 days. Be cautious when taking showers; don’t get water or shampoo in your eyes. Avoid makeup for 24 hours, although you can resume normal activities after the injection. Continue existing eye drops as instructed. Attend all follow-up visits.
Mild pain or discomfort after the anesthetic wears off is normal. You can take paracetamol or any over-the-counter pain reliever. Lubricating dry eye drops can be used as often as you would like. These drops help alleviate the scratchy feeling many patients experience after injection. You may purchase lubricating gel from your local pharmacy. Discard after 28 days.
Necessary Precautions Before Taking Avastin
Sharing your complete medical history can help avoid complications.
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Medical Conditions
Tell your doctor of any heart or blood pressure problems. You should tell your doctor if you have diabetes, since diabetes can affect how you respond to treatment. Please let the doctor know if you have a history of eye infections or inflammation.
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Interactions With Medications
Blood thinners can increase the risk of complications if you bleed. Anti-inflammatories may also increase the risk of side effects. Always let your doctor know which medications you are currently taking before they treat you.
Evaluating Treatment Alternatives
Different treatment options can help you choose the proper treatment for you.
Vabysmo is FDA-approved for wet AMD and DME, and its dual-target mechanism is designed to stabilize the retina by inhibiting both VEGF-A and Ang-2. Avastin is widely used in ophthalmology for wet AMD and DME, both off-label.
After the initial phase, Vabysmo has a longer dosing interval (up to 16 weeks) compared to Avastin (about every 4 weeks). Longer dosing intervals also help minimize treatment burden and improve long-term treatment options.
The dual-target mechanism of Vabysmo provides more vascular stability and likely results in more durable vision gains. Both medicines are effective; the choice depends on individual patient needs and considerations.
Your Vision Deserves The Best Care
Eye injections of Avastin are effective for treating severe retinal conditions. Side effects can occur, but most are mild and temporary; proper treatment, aftercare, and regular follow-up can minimize the risks.
Come in to RVAF today for a full range of retinal treatment options and care plans that prioritize your vision.