How does Vabysmo work to treat diabetic macular edema?

### How Vabysmo Treats Diabetic Macular Edema Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a condition where fluid builds up in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. This can cause blurry vision, double vision, and other visual disturbances. Vabysmo is an eye injection used to treat DME by targeting two key substances in the eye: VEGF and Ang-2. #### What is Vabysmo? Vabysmo is a liquid medication injected directly into the eye by a healthcare professional. The active ingredient in Vabysmo is faricimab, which works by blocking VEGF and Ang-2. These substances can cause blood vessels in the eye to become leaky and unstable, leading to fluid buildup and vision problems. #### How Does It Work? By blocking VEGF, Vabysmo helps to slow down the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels in the eye. By also blocking Ang-2, it stabilizes existing blood vessels, reducing their leakiness. This dual action helps to reduce fluid buildup in the macula, improving vision and preventing further damage. #### Treatment Schedule When you start Vabysmo treatment, you'll receive an injection every 4 weeks for the first four doses. After that, your healthcare provider will assess your eye condition and may adjust the frequency of injections to every 4, 8, 12, or 16 weeks. Most people eventually need an injection only every 12-16 weeks. #### What to Expect After receiving a Vabysmo injection, you might experience temporary blurry vision. This is normal and usually resolves quickly. It's important to attend all scheduled appointments and follow your healthcare provider's instructions. If you notice severe pain or significant changes in your vision, seek medical help immediately. #### Side Effects and Precautions Common side effects include temporary blurry vision and increased eye pressure, which usually resolves within an hour. Rarely, you might see floating dark spots, flashing lights, or experience severe eye pain. Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. #### Financial Assistance Vabysmo may be available at a reduced cost through savings programs. Check with your healthcare provider or visit the Vabysmo website for more information.