Izervay®
For patients living with geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), treatment options were extremely limited until recently. Izervay® (avacincaptad pegol) is an FDA-approved medication that helps slow the progression of geographic atrophy, giving patients a valuable new tool to preserve their vision for as long as possible.
How Izervay Works
Geographic atrophy occurs when cells in the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision—gradually deteriorate. This damage leads to blind spots that interfere with reading, recognizing faces, and performing everyday tasks.
Izervay works by targeting the complement system, a part of the immune system believed to contribute to cell damage in the retina. By regulating this process, Izervay slows down the rate at which atrophy spreads in the macula. Although it cannot restore vision that has already been lost, it plays a critical role in delaying further vision decline.
What to Expect During Treatment
Izervay is administered as an injection into the eye and is performed in-office using sterile techniques. Here’s what happens during treatment:
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Your eye is gently cleaned and numbed with anesthetic drops.
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The injection takes just a few seconds to complete.
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Most patients feel only mild pressure, and temporary irritation or redness afterward usually resolves within a day or two.
Because GA is a chronic and progressive disease, treatment must be ongoing. Izervay is typically given every month, though your physician will tailor the exact treatment plan to your individual needs and closely monitor your progress with advanced imaging tests.
Benefits of Izervay
The primary benefit of Izervay is that it is clinically proven to slow the growth of geographic atrophy lesions, giving patients more time with their central vision. While it does not cure dry AMD or reverse existing damage, it represents a breakthrough in the fight against vision loss from this advanced form of the disease.
By helping preserve central vision for a longer period, Izervay allows patients to maintain greater independence in their daily lives—continuing to read, recognize faces, and enjoy everyday activities with improved visual stability.
At East Florida Eye Institute, we are proud to offer Izervay injections as part of our comprehensive care for macular degeneration. Our experienced team uses the latest FDA-approved treatments to give patients access to the best possible options for preserving vision. We provide personalized care in a supportive, patient-focused environment, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to your needs and comfort.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with geographic atrophy, Izervay may be an important treatment option. Our physicians will carefully evaluate your condition, explain your options, and guide you through each step of your care.