Long-term intravitreal injection of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents does not adversely affect on the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The use of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents has become the standard of care for patients with AMD. The duration...

A study on rabbits finds that intravitreal injection of Avastin (bevacizumab) and Macugen (pegaptanib sodium) caused a significant increase in apoptotic activity (cell death) in photoreceptor cells. Avastin, but not Macugen, demonstrated greater apoptotic activity at higher doses. Avastin is an anti-VEGF humanized monoclonal antibody that...

A study involving RPE cells removed from pig eyes finds that Avastin but not Lucentis accumulates within the cells over time. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential chemical messenger within the eye, and is thought to have neuroprotective properties. It is known that Muller cells (nurse cells located within the retina)...

A new study finds that posterior juxtascleral steroid injection decreased impairment of retinal function as measured by focal macular electroretinograms (ERGs) following photodynamic therapy (PDT) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Retinal function is commonly depressed transiently after PDT. Researchers have found that...

A review of the literature find no evidence from clinical trials on humans of neuroprotective qualities of Alphagan (brimonidine tartrate) in optic nerve and retinal injury. A neuroprotective treatment is designed to increase cell survival by increasing resistance to injury or inhibiting cell death. It has been suggested that neuroprotective...