Avastin is a cancer drug that many eye doctors use for other purposes because it has been shown to combat degenerative eye conditions. However, patients and doctors are reporting Avastin silicone eye floaters, an unexpected complication from utilizing Avastin as an eye drug.

Avastin, generically known as bevacizumab, is a drug that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Researchers have found that if used off-label to treat certain degenerative eye diseases, it can be quite effective.

Eye conditions such as macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy have responded well to Avastin injections.

It is thought that these eye conditions can be helped when abnormal blood vessels are prevented from forming on the retina located at the back of the eye. When these blood vessels form, they can leak fluid and cause blurred vision or distorted vision. Vision loss can occur if this is not treated.

Avastin blocks something called VEGF, or vascular endothelial growth factor. It works to combat cancer by preventing the growth of certain blood vessels the cancer needs to progress.

Avastin can do the same thing when injected into a patient’s eye. While not preventing cancer, it stops abnormal blood vessels from progressing and inhibits the progression of macular degeneration and other eye conditions.

However, when some patients are injected with Avastin, small bits of silicone may be left behind causing further complications.

Avastin silicone eye floaters are caused because the syringes used to inject Avastin are coated with a silicone oil. Pharmacies must put Avastin into syringes for ophthalmologists to administer.

The components of these syringes are coated with a silicone oil that can find its way into the medication itself. The plunger, the needle and the barrel are all coated with this oil. Additionally, these syringes may not be specifically made for use in eye injections.

Certain factors can increase the possibility of Avastin silicone eye floaters. If the syringe is frozen, this can increase the chances of silicone finding its way into the medication itself. Also, if the syringes are left in storage for longer periods of time before use, this can increase the possibility of Avastin silicone eye floaters in patients.

Avastin silicone eye floaters may be linked to increased intraocular pressure, inflammation, infection, tearing of the retina, detachment of the retina, cataract formation, glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, hypotony or reduced pressure in the eye, corneal damage or blindness.

In addition to Avastin silicone eye floaters, some Avastin patients experience infections because of unexpected bacteria in the vials of the medication. Because of this, several patients in Florida and Tennessee have reportd vision loss as far back as 2011.

If you or someone you love have received Avastin as an eye injection to prevent certain eye conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney. While monetary compensation cannot bring back vision once it is lost, it may help to alleviate the financial burden of medical bills or lost wages.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or Avastin silicone injection class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Avastin lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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