Retinal diseases, such as Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), are major causes of severe vision loss. A key factor driving these conditions is a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which triggers abnormal, leaky blood vessel growth. EYLEA® (aflibercept), developed by Regeneron, is a vital biologic therapy designed to target VEGF, helping to stabilize or improve vision for patients affected by these conditions. EYLEA is administered through a specific route: injection directly into the eye. This article provides an overview of EYLEA’s mechanism, key indications, and essential considerations for practitioners administering these vital treatments.

This information is intended for trained medical professionals experienced in intravitreal injection techniques ONLY. Adherence product instructions is mandatory. This is NOT a substitute for specific formal training.

Understanding EYLEA® (Aflibercept): How it Works

EYLEA is a lab-made protein designed to act like a trap for VEGF. It’s a fusion protein built from parts of human VEGF receptors. This unique structure allows EYLEA to bind tightly to multiple forms of VEGF-A, as well as to Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), another protein involved in abnormal vessel growth. By binding to these proteins, EYLEA prevents them from signaling cells that cause problems.

• Mechanism of Action: By blocking VEGF and PlGF signals, EYLEA helps to stop the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization) and reduces leakage from existing vessels. These processes are major culprits in causing damage and vision loss in many retinal diseases.

In simple terms, EYLEA intercepts the signals that tell blood vessels to grow and leak abnormally in the back of the eye.

Key Indications: Where EYLEA® is Utilized

EYLEA is a widely used treatment for several major retinal diseases where abnormal vessel growth and leakage are key problems. Its effectiveness is based on significant clinical trials:

• Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD): Used to reduce the growth and leakage from abnormal blood vessels under the macula, helping to preserve central vision.
• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Utilized to reduce swelling in the macula caused by leaky blood vessels in people with diabetes.
• Macular Edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): Used to reduce swelling after blockages in the veins of the retina. This includes both Central RVO and Branch RVO.
• Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): Can be used to inhibit the progression of abnormal vessel growth in people with diabetic eye disease, with or without DME.

These are the main conditions where blocking VEGF with EYLEA® indications helps protect vision.

Administration: The Intravitreal Injection Route

EYLEA is administered directly into the eye, specifically into the gel-like substance that fills the back part of the eye (the vitreous humor). This is done via an intravitreal injection. This direct route is necessary to get the medication right where it’s needed – near the retina – at a high enough concentration to be effective, while minimizing how much gets into the rest of the body.

Dosing schedules often involve an initial series of more frequent injections (e.g., monthly) to get the disease under control, followed by less frequent maintenance injections (e.g., every 8 weeks, or following a treat-and-extend approach). The exact schedule depends on the specific condition being treated and how the patient responds.

The Intravitreal Injection Procedure: Essential Clinical Steps

Administering an intravitreal injection requires meticulous attention to detail to minimize risks. Strict sterile technique is the most critical step throughout the entire procedure. The process includes:

• Preparation: The patient’s eye area is carefully prepared. This includes applying a topical anesthetic (numbing drops) and using an antimicrobial solution (like povidone-iodine) to clean the surface of the eye and eyelids.
• Injection Site: The injection is given in a specific, safe area on the side of the eye called the pars plana. This is typically located a precise distance (e.g., 3.5-4.0 mm) from the edge of the colored part of the eye, away from the lens and the retina, to avoid damaging these structures.
• The Injection: Using a very fine gauge needle, the medication is slowly injected into the vitreous gel. The process is quick.
• Post-Injection Monitoring: After the injection, vision is often checked (e.g., ensuring light perception). Eye pressure (IOP) may also be checked.

Patients are given instructions on symptoms that require immediate attention, such as severe pain, redness, decreased vision, or sensitivity to light, as these could indicate a complication.

Clinical Efficacy: What to Expect

EYLEA’s effectiveness is well-supported by major clinical trials for its approved indications. These studies have shown that EYLEA can lead to:

• Stabilization or improvement in vision.
• Reduction of fluid and swelling in the retina, visible on imaging scans (like OCT).
• Inhibition of the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

The goal of treatment with EYLEA is often to preserve vision and prevent further loss due to these challenging diseases. Individual responses can vary.

Safety Profile & Potential Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, EYLEA and the intravitreal injection procedure carry potential side effects and risks:

• Common Adverse Events: These are often related to the injection itself and are usually temporary. They include bleeding on the surface of the eye (conjunctival hemorrhage), eye pain, seeing floaters in the vision, or a temporary increase in eye pressure.
• Serious Risks (IMPORTANT): Though rare, serious risks must be understood:
  • Endophthalmitis: A severe infection inside the eye. This is the most serious risk of any intravitreal injection. Prevention relies heavily on strict sterile technique. Prompt recognition and treatment are vital.
  • Retinal Detachment.
  • Traumatic Cataract (if needle contacts lens).
  • Increased Intraocular Pressure (Persistent).
  • Intravascular Injection (Extremely rare with intravitreal route, but theoretical systemic absorption risks exist).
• Systemic Risks: While designed for local action, potential systemic absorption carries theoretical risks similar to other VEGF blockers, including arterial thromboembolic events (stroke, MI). These are rare but included in the prescribing information.

Practitioners must screen patients for active eye infections or inflammation and consult the full prescribing information for complete safety details.

Patient Selection & Contraindications Review

Selecting appropriate patients is based on diagnosis and overall health. Patients must have a confirmed diagnosis and active disease requiring EYLEA treatment. A comprehensive eye examination is necessary before injection. Reviewing the patient’s medical history for any contraindications (like active eye infection or inflammation) and discussing potential systemic risk factors are part of the assessment. Extensive informed consent, covering the procedure, benefits, and risks (including the rare but serious ones), is mandatory.

Sourcing Authentic EYLEA®

Patient safety, sterility, and achieving the expected therapeutic effect depend entirely on using authentic, properly manufactured, and sterile EYLEA®. Counterfeit or improperly stored biologic products are dangerous and ineffective. Always obtain genuine EYLEA® only from reputable licensed medical suppliers who guarantee authenticity, sterility, and proper handling (cold chain typically required).

Conclusion: EYLEA®’s Role in Vision Preservation

EYLEA® is a key treatment for serious retinal diseases like Wet AMD, DME, and RVO. It helps by blocking proteins that cause abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye. Success with EYLEA® depends on correct diagnosis, understanding how it works, using careful sterile injection technique, monitoring patients closely, and always using authentic product. For practitioners working to save vision in patients with these challenging conditions, EYLEA is a vital tool.

Doris Dickson

About the Author: Doris Dickson is a specialist writer for Health Supplies Plus, focusing on the aesthetic medicine industry. She diligently researches cosmetic treatments and products to provide clear, concise information relevant to licensed medical professionals. Her work supports Health Supplies Plus’s commitment to being a reliable informational resource and trusted supplier for the aesthetic community.

 

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is directed towards licensed medical professionals. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any specific product or technique. Practitioners must rely on their own professional judgment, clinical experience, and knowledge of patient needs, and should always consult the full product prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before use. Health Supplies Plus does not provide medical advice.