Eylea HD

Eylea HD is an in-office eye injection that delivers a higher-dose form of aflibercept (8 mg) to treat three major retinal diseases: neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). After three monthly doses, many people can move to injections every 8–16 weeks for wAMD/DME or every 8–12 weeks for DR, as guided by the retina specialist.1

These conditions affect the macula—the area responsible for sharp, central vision. In wAMD, abnormal blood vessels leak; in DME, diabetes causes swelling; and in DR, damaged retinal vessels cause vision problems. All can threaten reading, driving, and face recognition if not treated.2

Aflibercept is a VEGF inhibitor. It acts like a “decoy” receptor that binds VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PlGF). By soaking up these growth and leak signals, it slows or stops fluid and bleeding under the retina and helps stabilize or improve vision.3

The injection takes only seconds. Your eye is numbed, cleaned with antiseptic, and the medicine is placed into the gel of the eye with a very fine needle. Ophthalmologists follow sterile steps and check eye pressure after the shot to keep you safe.4

• Other options in the same space: standard-dose aflibercept 2 mg, faricimab, or bevacizumab; some eyes may also need laser or steroid treatments. Your retina specialist will guide the plan over time (often using OCT imaging).

You may be a good candidate if you have wAMD, DME, or DR and your doctor confirms active disease on exam and OCT. Eylea HD is given monthly for the first three doses, then usually every 8–16 weeks (wAMD/DME) or every 8–12 weeks (DR), adjusted by your response.5

Eylea HD should not be given if there is an eye infection around or inside the eye, or if there is active intraocular inflammation. People with macular edema from diabetes often qualify once swelling is confirmed.6

• Tell your doctor about recent stroke or heart attack, other eye conditions, pregnancy, or plans for eye surgery so your plan can be tailored to you.

Total cost usually has several parts: the medication, the office visit, the injection procedure, and imaging tests like OCT. Many injections are done in the clinic (not the operating room), which helps keep the visit efficient. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance and location.7

Eylea HD is supplied as a single-dose vial (8 mg in 0.07 mL). Clinics may stock the medicine or arrange delivery for your appointment. Ask about coverage, prior authorization, and any manufacturer or foundation assistance programs your clinic knows about.8

• Tip: Bring your insurance information and current medication list to visits. That speeds approvals and refill scheduling.

What it can do: In large clinical trials, high-dose aflibercept allowed many patients with wAMD to maintain 12- or even 16-week dosing intervals after the first three monthly shots, with vision outcomes similar to standard regimens. Fewer injections over time can ease travel, time off work, and caregiver burden.9

What to watch for: Like all intravitreal anti-VEGF treatments, rare but serious risks include infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis), retinal detachment, inflammation, and short-term eye pressure rise. Your doctor will monitor and teach you warning signs to report urgently (pain, redness, light sensitivity, or sudden vision drop).10

• Results vary. Some eyes still need more frequent dosing, and some have limited vision recovery depending on disease severity and other health factors.

After the injection, mild scratchiness, tearing, or a small floater are common for a day or two. Most people resume normal activities soon. Call your clinic right away for strong pain, worsening redness, significant blur, or light sensitivity—these can be signs of infection or other complications.11

Long-term care includes regular eye checks and OCT scans to track fluid and adjust timing. Doctors follow sterile technique and often check eye pressure after the shot; keeping follow-up appointments helps protect vision and catches problems early.12

• Self-care tips: avoid rubbing the eye the day of treatment; use any prescribed drops as directed; and keep a simple symptom diary to share at visits.

High-dose aflibercept has been studied in rigorous, multi-center trials. In PULSAR (wAMD), aflibercept 8 mg given every 12 or 16 weeks after loading was non-inferior to standard dosing on vision outcomes at 96 weeks, while reducing treatment burden for many participants.13

In PHOTON (DME), aflibercept 8 mg also met non-inferiority goals through the first year, supporting extended intervals for many patients while maintaining vision and reducing retinal thickness on OCT.14

• Ongoing analyses continue to refine which eyes can safely extend to longer intervals and how best to personalize dosing with OCT findings and visual function tests.

If you or a loved one has wAMD, DME, or DR, the best next step is to meet with a retina specialist (ophthalmologist). They will confirm the diagnosis, discuss choices, set a starting schedule, and adjust care as your eye responds.15

Bring your glasses, medication list, medical history (especially diabetes, blood pressure, heart or stroke history), and any prior eye records. It helps to note your daily vision goals (reading, driving, hobbies) so your plan fits your life.16

Kerbside can help you connect with the right expert for a medical education consult to learn about options and questions to ask at your visit. This is not a physician–patient relationship or medical care; it’s guidance to help you prepare for an appointment with your own clinician.