Found Black Spot In Eye. Angiography Done. Advised Avastin Injection. Success Rate Of This Treatment?

Posted on Mon, 22 Apr 2013

Question: My father has been diagnosed with a black spot in the eye. His angiography was done and he has been advised Injection Avastin. What are the success rate of such treatments.

Answered by Dr. Mihir Shah (13 minutes later)

Dear XXXXXX,

Thanks for the query.
Your father probably has wet age related macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.

AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.

Wet AMD can now be treated with new drugs that are injected into the eye (anti-VEGF therapy-AVASTIN). Abnormally high levels of a specific growth factor occur in eyes with wet AMD and promote the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. This drug treatment blocks the effects of the growth factor.

You will need multiple injections that may be given as often as monthly. The eye is numbed before each injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor's office for a while and your eye will be monitored. This drug treatment can help slow down vision loss from AMD and in some cases improve sight.

Best regards,
Dr.Mihir Shah

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mihir Shah (1 hour later)

Thank you doctor for the informative insight.

If you could also suggest what are the alternative treatment options and whether this is a common problem which develops with age.

What is possibility that if it has occured in one eye, the same could develop in the other eye.

Also what is the success rate of this treatment.

My father's current opthalmologist has told him that even though he is giving the drug to him, he cannot assure about the outcome at all which obviously has put my father in distress.

Answered by Dr. Mihir Shah (3 hours later)

Dear XXXXXX,

Thanks for writing back.

AMD is a disease of advancing age. It is quite common in India and very common in the western countries.

The other alternatives are laser and PDT(Photo dynamic therapy). But anti vegf injections are the preferred option these days.

AMD is a bilateral disease. So the same problem can develop in the other eye over a period of time.

Nobody can guarantee any success rate. But as of now this is the best treatment available.

Best regards,
Dr.Mihir Shah

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mihir Shah (13 hours later)

Thank you Dr Mihir!

Appreciate your help here. I have been anxious of late due to this development with my father. Your insight gives much relief.

Answered by Dr. Mihir Shah (5 hours later)

Dear XXXXXX,

Always glad to help.

If you want to reach me again do so at the below link:
WWW.WWWW.WW
Best regards and hope your fathers vision recovers fast.
Dr.Mihir Shah

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar