Eylea, also known by its generic name aflibercept, is a prescription medication used as an injection directly into the eye. It’s commonly prescribed to treat serious eye conditions that affect the retina, including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion. These conditions can lead to progressive vision loss if left untreated.

Eylea works by blocking a protein called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which is responsible for the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye. When too many of these fragile vessels grow, they can leak or bleed, damaging the retina and impairing vision. By inhibiting VEGF, Eylea helps stabilize or even improve vision in many patients.

What to Expect During Eylea Treatment

Eylea is administered as an intravitreal injection, meaning it’s injected directly into the eye by a retina specialist. While the idea of an eye injection may sound intimidating, the procedure is typically quick and relatively painless. Your eye will be numbed beforehand, and the entire visit often takes less than 30 minutes.

Patients usually start with injections once a month, dependingon the condition being treated. After the initial phase, the frequency may be reduced to once every two months or even longer if your doctor determines your condition is stable. Regular follow-up exams are necessary to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

After the injection, it’s common to experience mild discomfort, sensitivity to light, or a sensation of having something in the eye. These symptoms generally go away within a day. Serious side effects are rare but can include infection, increased eye pressure, or retinal detachment, which is why it's important to report any severe pain or vision changes to your doctor immediately.

Eylea’s Impact on Vision and Quality of Life

Eylea has been shown in clinical trials to maintain or significantly improve vision for many patients dealing with vision-threatening retinal diseases. For those diagnosed early and treated regularly, the injections can help preserve daily function and independence, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

Managing chronic eye conditions can feel overwhelming, but treatments like Eylea offer real hope. With close medical supervision and a commitment to follow-up care, many patients experience long-term stability and improved vision outcomes.