The provincial government has lifted the maximum dose caps for two vision loss treatments, effective immediately.

Lucentis and Eylea are intravitreal injection drugs used to treat age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and other serious retinal conditions.

Currently, the provincial prescription drug program caps the number of treatments it covers per beneficiary—after which, patients must pay out-of-pocket.

While the caps have been lifted, the Department of Health is establishing a new, tiered retinal drug program.

Avastin will be used as the first line of treatment, which the Department of Health says is similar to both previous drugs.

Meanwhile, those currently using Lucentis and Eylea will be able to continue treatment under the prescription drug program.