How does intravitreal injection therapy work?
Written by:Highly regarded consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Miss Sudeshna Patra, is on hand here in this article to provide all the key nuggets of information regarding intravitreal injection therapy for eye retinal conditions.
What is intravitreal injection therapy?
Intravitreal injection therapy is the go-to treatment nowadays when it comes to the management of various complex retinal conditions. It offers targeted treatment directly into the vitreous cavity (into the eyeball), usually as a course of injections.
How does intravitreal injection therapy work?
The main purpose of intravitreal injection lies in delivering anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. These agents combat neovascularisation (new blood vessel growth), oedema (swelling), and inflammation associated with conditions like diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The intravitreal injections, delivered as a course of treatment over several months or years aim to limit the damage caused by the disease and preserve or improve vision.
What are the associated risks and side effects?
Most patients will only experience minor side effects such as a gritty or watery eye, and floaters lasting for one to two days after the injection. There are, unfortunately, some rare but more serious risks associated with intravitreal injection therapy:
- endophthalmitis or severe infection of the eyeball
- non-infectious inflammation of the eyeball
- inflammation of the retinal blood vessels
How is it performed?
It is performed in an outpatient setting in a treatment room. Firstly, the patient is positioned comfortably, usually lying down, before the patient’s eye is cleaned and disinfected.
Topical anaesthesia (eye drops) is then administered to numb the surface of the eye. Following this, the surgeon or ophthalmologist wears sterile gloves and prepares a sterile field around the eye. A drape is then placed over the patient’s face, leaving only the eye exposed. A metal clip or other device is used to help keep the eyelids open.
The injection is then delivered through a fine needle. It is very quick and the patient usually only feels a small scratch or mild discomfort. After the injection the patient is discharged with lubricating eye drops to be used for a few days.
What does recovery time entail?
Patients typically return for follow-up visits after four weeks (or more) to assess response to treatment and plan further injections if required.
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