The purpose of the study is to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of treatment of neovascular AMD with Lucentis on a fixed schedule, Avastin on a fixed schedule, Lucentis on a variable schedule, and Avastin on a variable schedule.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over the age of 65 in the United States and other Western countries. More than 1.6 million people in the US currently have one or both eyes affected by the advanced stage of AMD.

Lucentis® is the most effective treatment for neovascular AMD studied to date. Bevacizumab (Avastin®) and Lucentis® are derived from the same monoclonal antibody. Following the encouraging clinical trial results with Lucentis®, several investigators began evaluating intravitreal Avastin® for the treatment of CNV. Given its molecular similarity to Lucentis, its low cost, and its availability, the interest in Avastin® has been considerable. Avastin® has not been evaluated relative to Lucentis®.

In addition, previous studies do not answer the question of whether a reduced dosing schedule is as effective as a fixed schedule of monthly injections. Treatment dependent on clinical response has the potential to reduce the treatment burden to patients as well as to reduce the overall cost of therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Active, subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV)
• Fibrosis < 50% of total lesion area
• Visual acuity (VA) 20/25-20/320
• Age ≥ 50 yrs
• At least 1 drusen (>63μ) in either eye or late AMD in fellow eye

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous treatment for CNV in study eye
• Other progressive retinal disease likely to compromise VA
• Contraindications to injections with Lucentis or Avastin