AMD treatments: Avastin and Lucentis compared

As controversy builds about access to new treatments for choroidal neovascularisation AMD, ophthalmologist Michael Lavin recounts his experiences with Lucentis and its cheaper 'parent' drug Avastin. He calls for clinical trials comparing Avastin and Lucentis but is impressed by the safety record and cost effectiveness of Avastin

In 2005 a quiet revolution occurred in ophthalmology. For the first time in the history of ophthalmology we now have treatments (intravitreal ranibizumab/Lucentis intravitreal or systemic bevacizumab/Avastin) which stabilise or improve vision in the great majority of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These treatments do not necessarily represent a permanent cure, and may need to be repeated from time to time, but their effects on vision are dramatic and maintained.