Ranibizumab Eye Injection: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Ranibizumab is an intravitreal injection used to treat various serious eye conditions that affect the retina, helping to preserve vision.

Drug class	Anti-VEGF Biologic
Type	Single
Forms	Intravitreal Injection
Common strength	0.5 mg / 0.05 mL (0.3 mg in DME)
Common Indian brands	Accentrix, Lucentis, Indian biosimilars: Razumab, Ranizurel, Visumab, Oceva
Prescription status	Prescription (hospital use)

What Ranibizumab is used for

Ranibizumab is a specialised medicine used to treat several serious eye conditions that affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. These conditions often involve the growth of abnormal blood vessels or swelling, which can severely impact your vision. Your retina specialist may recommend Ranibizumab for:

Wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD): This is a common cause of vision loss in older adults, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision) and leak fluid or blood.
Diabetic macular oedema (DME): A complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to fluid leakage and swelling in the macula.
Macular oedema from retinal vein occlusion (RVO): This occurs when a vein in the retina gets blocked, causing blood and fluid to leak into the macula, leading to swelling and blurred vision.
Myopic choroidal neovascularisation (mCNV): In some cases of high myopia (severe short-sightedness), abnormal blood vessels can grow under the retina, similar to wet AMD.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): A condition affecting premature babies where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness.

By treating these conditions, Ranibizumab aims to reduce swelling, stop the leakage from abnormal blood vessels, and help preserve your precious eyesight.

How it works

Ranibizumab belongs to a category of medicines called Anti-VEGF Biologics. To understand how it works, it’s helpful to know about a chemical signal in your body called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor).

In many of the eye conditions Ranibizumab treats, such as wet AMD or diabetic macular oedema, there is an overproduction of VEGF. This chemical signal acts like a ‘fertiliser’ for abnormal blood vessels, causing them to grow uncontrollably under the retina. These new blood vessels are often weak, leaky, and fragile. They can leak fluid, blood, and other substances, leading to swelling (oedema) and damage to the delicate cells of the retina, which in turn causes blurred vision or vision loss.

Ranibizumab works by specifically blocking this VEGF chemical signal. By doing so, it stops the growth of these abnormal, leaky blood vessels. When the VEGF signal is blocked, the existing abnormal vessels tend to shrink and stop leaking. This process helps to dry up the swelling in the macula and prevent further damage to the retinal cells, thereby preserving your vision and, in some cases, even improving it.

Think of it like turning off a tap that is causing a leak. Ranibizumab turns off the ‘tap’ of VEGF, which helps to dry up the ‘leakage’ and swelling in your eye.

How it’s used

Ranibizumab is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the vitreous humour (the jelly-like substance) inside your eye. This procedure is always performed by a retina specialist in the operating theatre under sterile conditions to ensure your safety and minimise any risk of infection.

The typical dosing schedule often begins with a ‘loading phase’ of three injections, given monthly. After these initial three doses, your retina specialist will carefully monitor your eye condition and vision. Based on your individual response, the injections may then be continued as needed (PRN – ‘pro re nata’ or ‘as required’) or following a ‘treat-and-extend’ protocol, where the interval between injections is gradually increased if your condition remains stable.

It’s crucial to attend all your scheduled appointments for injections and follow-up examinations. Your retina specialist will determine the best treatment plan for you based on the specific eye condition being treated and how your eye responds to the medicine. Regular monitoring is key to achieving the best possible visual outcomes.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Accentrix
Lucentis
Indian biosimilars: Razumab
Ranizurel
Visumab
Oceva

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Please note

Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis).

Precautions & side effects

Ranibizumab is a powerful medicine that requires careful administration and monitoring. Here are some important precautions and things you should be aware of:

Administration: This medicine is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. The procedure is always performed in the operating theatre under sterile conditions to minimise the risk of complications, especially infection.
Cost and Accessibility: In India, the availability of Indian biosimilars such as Razumab, Ranizurel, Visumab, and Oceva has made Ranibizumab treatment far more affordable and accessible to a wider range of patients.
Immediate Post-Injection Care: After receiving any intravitreal injection, it is extremely important to monitor your eye closely.
Warning Signs of Infection: You must seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop any of the following symptoms after the injection:
- Increasing pain in the eye
- Increasing redness of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- A sudden or significant drop in your vision
These symptoms can be signs of a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent medical attention to prevent severe vision loss. Do not delay in contacting Pristine Eye Hospitals or your retina specialist if you experience any of these symptoms.
Prescription Only: Ranibizumab is a prescription-only medicine and is for hospital use only. It cannot be purchased over the counter.

Always discuss any concerns or questions you have with your retina specialist before and after your treatment.

Understanding Your Eye Condition and Treatment

At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we understand that receiving a diagnosis of an eye condition requiring injections can be concerning. Many of the conditions treated with Ranibizumab, such as Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME), and Macular Oedema from Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), affect the macula – the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This is the vision you use for reading, recognising faces, and driving. When these conditions cause abnormal blood vessels to grow or fluid to leak into the macula, your central vision can become blurred, distorted, or even lost. Ranibizumab is a highly effective treatment designed to target the underlying cause of these problems, helping to dry up the swelling and stop the growth of abnormal vessels, thereby preserving your precious eyesight. It’s important to remember that early diagnosis and consistent treatment are key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Your retina specialist at Pristine Eye Hospitals will explain your specific condition in detail and guide you through every step of your treatment journey.

General Advice for Eye Care and Hygiene

While Ranibizumab is administered by a specialist, maintaining good general eye hygiene and care is crucial, especially when undergoing treatment. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any other eye drops that may be prescribed. Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after an injection, as this can introduce germs or irritate the eye. If you use other eye drops, ensure you follow the correct instillation technique: tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and gently squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pocket without touching your eye with the dropper tip. Close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medicine to absorb. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on when it is safe to wear them again after an injection. Store all eye medicines, including any other drops you might be using, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Always check the expiry date and discard any expired medicines.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Your safety and vision are our top priority at Pristine Eye Hospitals. While intravitreal injections are generally safe procedures when performed under sterile conditions, it is vital to be aware of potential complications, however rare. The most serious complication is an eye infection, known as endophthalmitis. This requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, after receiving a Ranibizumab injection, it is absolutely critical that you contact us or seek emergency medical care IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following symptoms: increasing pain in your eye, significant redness that worsens, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), or a sudden and noticeable drop in your vision. These symptoms can develop hours or even a few days after the injection. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment; prompt action can make a significant difference in preserving your vision. Our team at Pristine Eye Hospitals is always here to support you, and we encourage you to report any concerns, no matter how small they may seem, without delay.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ranibizumab used for?

Ranibizumab is used to treat several serious eye conditions that affect the retina. These include wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, macular oedema from retinal vein occlusion, myopic choroidal neovascularisation, and retinopathy of prematurity. It helps to preserve vision by treating these conditions.

How does Ranibizumab work?

Ranibizumab works by blocking a chemical signal called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). In certain eye conditions, VEGF causes abnormal, leaky blood vessels to grow under the retina. By blocking VEGF, Ranibizumab stops the growth of these vessels, reduces leakage, dries up swelling, and helps preserve vision.

What are the common Indian brands of Ranibizumab?

In India, common brands of Ranibizumab include Accentrix and Lucentis. There are also several Indian biosimilars available, which have made the treatment more affordable, such as Razumab, Ranizurel, Visumab, and Oceva.

How is Ranibizumab administered?

Ranibizumab is given as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is injected directly into the eye. This procedure is performed by a retina specialist in an operating theatre under sterile conditions. Typically, it involves monthly injections for three loading doses, followed by treatment as needed or on a treat-and-extend basis, as determined by your specialist.

Is a prescription needed for Ranibizumab?

Yes, Ranibizumab is a prescription-only medicine and is for hospital use only. It cannot be purchased over the counter.

What are the key precautions to take after a Ranibizumab injection?

After any intravitreal injection, it is crucial to seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a sudden drop in vision. These can be signs of a serious eye infection (endophthalmitis) and require urgent medical attention to prevent severe vision loss.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.