What is VEGF and what is VEGF's role in macular edema following RVO?
The eye contains a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. The role of VEGF is to help grow new blood vessels.
Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is caused by an excess of VEGF in addition to vessel blockages. This leads to the abnormal blood vessel growth that can cause vision problems
Eye With VEGF
What is visual acuity and how does it relate to RVO?
Your doctor can detect changes or problems in your vision with a visual acuity test. Visual acuity tests find the smallest letters you can see on a standard eye chart. Visual acuity is the sharpness of your vision.
Visual Acuity Chart
- The farther down an eye chart you can see, the higher your visual acuity
- Seeing more eye chart letters than before means that vision is getting better
- Seeing fewer eye chart letters than before means that vision is getting worse
Visual acuity is expressed as a fraction such as 20/40 or a single number such as 1.5.
- The lower the bottom number in the fraction, the sharper your distance vision
Following up with your doctor is necessary for tracking your vision over time and your progress with LUCENTIS.
Watch the video to see how RVO can change vision over time
This video is meant to show you a range of symptoms you may experience. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity level of the disease and will be unique for each person. If you experience any problems with vision, contact your Retina Specialist right away.
A Retina Specialist can help
What happens if RVO is left untreated?
- If left untreated, macular edema following RVO can cause problems with vision
- If you think you are experiencing problems with vision from macular edema following RVO, make an appointment with a Retina Specialist right away
Make a Retina Specialist Appointment
If you do not have a Retina Specialist, ask your ophthalmologist or primary care physician about a referral or use the Find a Retina Specialist tool.
Financial Assistance Options
There may be options to help you afford LUCENTIS, no matter what type of health insurance you have. Learn about Genentech Ophthalmology Access Solutions.