There are several ophthalmic, or eye, problems that are caused by various diseases and conditions. These can include the metabolic disorder diabetes, which results in several physiological and morphological changes in the eye.
Some of these eye conditions are treated with surgery, while some are treated with medication. Symptoms such as progressive loss of vision (macular degeneration), diabetic retinopathy (damage to blood vessels of the eye due to high blood sugar levels), and macular edema can be treated with topical drops or injections.
Eylea and Lucentis belong to the latter category; both drugs are injected into the vitreous humor of the eye. This mode of administration is known as intravitreal injection.
What is Eylea?
One of the prominent symptoms of macular degeneration is the formation of new blood vessels beneath the retina. These new blood vessels cause excess storage of fluid inside the eye, resulting in a pressure increase. This condition is known as wet macular degeneration.
Eylea is used to treat this condition. It contains aflibercept, a biopharmaceutical widely used to treat wet macular edema. Eylea also reduces swelling of the retina, which is caused due to the block in the existing blood vessels.
Eyelea also treats the following conditions:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Eye disorders that result in fluid build-up below the retina
- Macular edema
Make sure you are not allergic to the drug aflibercept. If you have adverse effects such as itchy and swollen eyes, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Eylea should not be used if there are any infections in or around the eye.
What is Lucentis?
Lucentis contains the drug ranibizumab, which is derived through monoclonal antibody fragments. Like Eylea, Lucentis prevents the formation of new blood vessels (anti-angiogenic) beneath the retina.
Other conditions where Lucentis can be used are:
- To reduce pressure and swelling in the eye
- Diabetic retinopathy
If you have any prior conditions, like glaucoma, myocardial infarction, or a clot in the vessel, do not use Lucentis.
If you experience any adverse side effects after the administration of Lucentis, such as the worsening of your vision, consult your doctor immediately.
Difference Between Eylea and Lucentis
Two groups of people were treated with Eyelea and Lucentis for a period of 12 months, and the effects have been studied. Neither group showed any divulgence from visual activity.
The central foveal thickness (CFT) reduction of both drugs was the same. Both groups were given a similar dosage for the entire test period.
Eylea and Lucentis are great drugs for treating a broad range of eye conditions. Choosing between the two depends on personal choice and patient history of allergies.
