Ocriplasmin (also known as Jetrea) is a recombinant form of human plasmin, a naturally occurring enzyme in the human body. It is used to treat symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), a condition in which the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, abnormally attaches to the macula, the portion of the retina responsible for central vision. Ocriplasmin functions by breaking down the proteins that bond the vitreous humor to the macula, thus relieving the patient from the associated symptoms. Ocriplasmin is administered via intravitreal injection, a procedure in which an injection is administered directly into the eye.
Ocriplasmin, commercially known as Jetrea, is a prescription medication used to treat a specific eye condition:
- Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion (VMA): This condition involves the abnormal attachment of the vitreous gel, a jelly-like substance in the eye, to the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. VMA can cause symptoms like:
- Metamorphopsia: Distortion of straight lines appearing wavy or bent.
- Micropsia: Objects appearing smaller than their actual size.
- Blurred vision: Difficulty seeing clearly, especially in the central field of vision.
How Ocriplasmin Works:
- Proteolytic enzyme: Ocriplasmin belongs to a class of drugs called proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes have the ability to break down proteins.
- Dissolves Vitreous Attachments: In the case of VMA, Ocriplasmin acts by dissolving the protein matrix responsible for the adhesion between the vitreous gel and the macula. This can potentially help to release the abnormal traction and improve vision.
Important Points:
- Not a first-line treatment: Ocriplasmin is typically reserved for cases where conservative measures like observation or waiting for spontaneous resolution are not effective and the symptoms significantly impact vision.
- Single Intravitreal Injection: Ocriplasmin is administered through a single injection into the vitreous cavity of the eye by a qualified ophthalmologist (eye specialist).
- Potential Side Effects: As with any medication, Ocriplasmin can cause side effects, including:
- Increased eye pressure (IOP)
- Floaters: Seeing small spots or specks in the vision
- Pain in the eye
- Bleeding in the eye (rare)