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My mother is on Anti VEGF injection for past 2 years ...can we have a permanent solution to get rid of off these injection...or any alternative treatment...she was on steroids for past 10 years ...but due to complications of steroids we shift her to Anti VEGF but not satisfied with this want a permanent solution for this
Answers (8)
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I understand your concern about the ongoing anti-VEGF injections. Unfortunately, there is currently no "permanent cure" for conditions requiring anti-VEGF therapy, such as diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, or wet age-related macular degeneration. These are chronic conditions where abnormal blood vessel growth or leakage continues over time, requiring ongoing management. Anti-VEGF injections remain the gold standard treatment because they effectively control the disease and preserve vision. While I appreciate your frustration with repeated injections, it's important to understand that stopping treatment typically leads to vision deterioration and fluid reaccumulation. The shift from steroids to anti-VEGF was likely made because steroids caused complications like elevated eye pressure or cataract progression, while anti-VEGF has a better safety profile for long-term use.
Next Steps
First, I need to know the exact diagnosis (diabetic macular edema, vein occlusion, wet AMD, or another condition) to give you specific guidance. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation including OCT imaging to assess current disease activity and treatment response. If your mother is responding well to anti-VEGF, we can explore "treat-and-extend" protocols that gradually lengthen the interval between injections, potentially reducing the frequency from monthly to every 2-3 months or longer. In select cases, combination therapy with targeted laser (for diabetic macular edema) or photodynamic therapy (for certain wet AMD cases) might reduce injection burden. For diabetic cases specifically, optimizing systemic factors like blood sugar control, blood pressure, and lipid levels can significantly reduce the need for frequent injections.
Health Tips
Focus on managing underlying conditions aggressively (tight diabetic control if applicable, blood pressure optimization, healthy diet, regular exercise) as this directly impacts how often injections are needed; keep all follow-up appointments religiously as timely treatment prevents permanent vision loss; understand that skipping injections to "try alternatives" often results in irreversible damage; maintain realistic expectations as chronic retinal diseases require long-term management similar to conditions like diabetes or hypertension; and discuss treat-and-extend protocols with your retina specialist to minimize injection frequency while maintaining vision stability.
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You have to o follow up with your retina doctor
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This has to be discussed by your retina specialist..
Certain condition require long term treatment and multiple injections
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Depends on the condition for which is she taking Anti VEGFs and her response to the treatment
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Dr. A Raja Prasanna Kumar
Pulmonologist
46 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Pl consult local Retina specialist.
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Dr. Snehal Malu
Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon
7 yrs exp
Yavatmal
Please consult vitreo retina surgeon for detailed eye examination and further management
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Dr. Surbhi Jain
Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon
4 yrs exp
Delhi
There is no permanent solution however different types of anti VEGF are available which can extend the followup between injections and depending on the disease there are alternative/supplementary treatment options which may decrease frequency and need for anti VEGF
Next Steps
please discuss with treating ophthalmologist about newer alternatives
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Dr. Saba Kausar
Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon
12 yrs exp
Bangalore
Please consult local retina specialist
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.