Regular eye examinations are an important part of proper eye care. Many eye conditions that develop have little or no noticeable side effects in the earliest stages of disease, but can be detected at a routine eye exam. When patients seek treatment only after symptoms are present, the condition may have advanced to the point that surgical treatment is the best or only option. With early diagnosis of eye diseases that affect the health of the eye as well as interfere with clear vision, non-surgical treatment often has successful results. At North County Laser Eye Associates, we are able to offer many of our San Diego patients VEGF inhibitors as a non-surgical treatment for a number of eye diseases. VEGF inhibitors can successfully treat and slow down the progression of many eye diseases, allowing patients to enjoy good eye health and clear vision.
What Are VEGF Inhibitors?
VEGF inhibitors are medications that block the production of VEGF, or vascular endothelial growth factor. VEGF is a protein that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels. Studies have shown that an excess of VEGF may promote the growth of abnormal blood vessels and may result in the leakage of blood vessels, both of which may result in eye disease. VEGF inhibitors have been shown to be successful in discouraging or blocking the growth of abnormal blood cells (those that contribute to many degenerative eye diseases), while still allowing for the growth of healthy blood vessels. VEGF is a non-surgical treatment, however, the medicine is most often applied through ocular injections, so it is important to see an eye doctor who is skilled and experienced in VEGF inhibitor treatment.
Eye Diseases that Are Responsive to VEGF Inhibitors
VEGF inhibitors have shown to be effective in treating a number of degenerative eye diseases. These diseases often have a direct impact on the health and function of the retina, and, ultimately, may negatively affect a patient’s vision or may even result in blindness. Some eye diseases that may be treated with VEGF inhibitors include the following:
- Diabetic macular edema
- Retinopathy of prematurity
- Wet macular degeneration
By blocking the production of VEGF, these inhibitors can drastically stop the progression of degenerative eye conditions and preserve clear vision for our patients.
Alternate Treatments
For patients who do have more advanced stages of degenerative eye diseases, we may consider more aggressive treatment. We do offer surgical treatments that can restore clearer vision for patients who have suffered from visual disturbances as a result of eye disease. Our eye doctors are happy to examine the eyes and discuss all possible treatments in order to find one that is best suited to the unique needs of each patient.
Contact Us
Whether you are suffering from visual abnormalities or are simply in need of a routine eye exam, the doctors at North County Laser Eye Associates are happy to help. Contact us at your earliest convenience to set up a consultation with one of our experienced eye doctors. We look forward to hearing from you!
