Lucentis (ranibizumab) is a NICE-recommended, MHRA-licensed anti-VEGF medicine injected into the eye to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). It blocks the protein (VEGF) that drives the abnormal, leaking blood vessels behind the retina. Private treatment in the UK costs from around £950 per injection — including the consultant, OCT scan, the drug and the procedure — and most patients need a loading course of three monthly injections followed by ongoing treatment guided by scans. A lower-cost licensed ranibizumab biosimilar is also available.
What is Lucentis and how does it work?
Wet AMD occurs when fragile new blood vessels grow under the macula — the central part of the retina — and leak fluid and blood, distorting and destroying central vision. Lucentis contains ranibizumab, an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) antibody fragment. By neutralising VEGF, it stops these vessels leaking and growing, allowing the retina to dry out and stabilise.
Ranibizumab was one of the first anti-VEGF drugs approved for wet AMD and remains a mainstay of treatment, recommended by NICE for use in the NHS and widely used in private ophthalmology. Speed matters: the sooner wet AMD is treated after symptoms begin, the more vision can be saved. Learn more about the condition on our wet AMD condition page and wet AMD treatment overview.
What happens during the injection
An intravitreal injection sounds daunting but is quick, routine and performed under sterile conditions. You are awake throughout and feel little more than mild pressure.
- Anaesthetic drops numb the surface of the eye, and antiseptic drops clean it to prevent infection.
- A small clip gently holds the eyelids open so you don't have to worry about blinking.
- The consultant injects a tiny dose of ranibizumab through the white of the eye (the sclera) into the vitreous cavity — it takes only seconds.
- The eye is checked and you rest briefly before going home. The whole visit takes about 10–15 minutes.
Noticed new blurring, distortion or a dark patch in your central vision? Wet AMD needs urgent assessment — early treatment protects sight.
Book a rapid macular assessmentAnti-VEGF drug options
Lucentis is one of several effective anti-VEGF treatments. Your consultant will recommend the best option for your eye, how often you'd need injections and your budget.
Compare the longer-acting options on our Eylea HD 8mg and Vabysmo (faricimab) pages, or read wet AMD vs dry AMD treatment options.
The treatment course & aftercare
Wet AMD is a chronic condition, so Lucentis is given as an ongoing course rather than a one-off. Treatment is guided by OCT scans at each visit.
Loading phase
Three injections, usually one month apart, to bring the wet AMD under control quickly.
Maintenance
Further injections are scheduled based on your scans — a “treat-and-extend” approach gradually lengthens the gap between visits.
After each injection
Mild grittiness, a small red patch on the white of the eye or floaters are common for a day or two. Use any prescribed drops and avoid rubbing the eye.
When to call urgently
Increasing pain, worsening vision or significant redness in the days after an injection should be reported immediately.
How much do private Lucentis injections cost?
Private ranibizumab (Lucentis) injections start from around £950 per injection, including the consultant retinal specialist, your OCT macular scan, the drug itself and the injection procedure. Because wet AMD needs ongoing treatment, your consultant will give you a clear estimate of the likely number of injections over the first year at your assessment.
- Self-pay: from around £950 per injection; a licensed ranibizumab biosimilar is available at lower cost — see Byooviz biosimilar cost.
- Insurance: wet AMD treatment is covered by most major insurers — we handle authorisation.
- Loading course: most patients have three injections in the first three months, then maintenance guided by scans.