INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS
Intravitreal injections are a common medical procedure used for delivering medications directly into the vitreous humor of the eye. The vitreous is the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the interior of the eye, and injecting medications into this region allows for high concentrations of the drug to be administered locally, maximizing efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. The procedure is often performed to treat a variety of ocular conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion, among others. Typically conducted under local anesthesia, a fine needle is inserted through the sclera (the white part of the eye) into the vitreous cavity, and a small volume of medication is then delivered.
Although the thought of an eye injection may seem daunting, the process is usually quick and associated with minimal discomfort. Nonetheless, like any invasive procedure, intravitreal injections come with risks, including infection, retinal detachment, and increased intraocular pressure, which necessitates careful post-procedure monitoring.Intravitreal injections are a common medical procedure used for delivering medications directly into the vitreous humor of the eye. The vitreous is the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the interior of the eye, and injecting medications into this region allows for high concentrations of the drug to be administered locally, maximizing efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. The procedure is often performed to treat a variety of ocular conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion, among others.
Typically conducted under local anesthesia, a fine needle is inserted through the sclera (the white part of the eye) into the vitreous cavity, and a small volume of medication is then delivered. Although the thought of an eye injection may seem daunting, the process is usually quick and associated with minimal discomfort. Nonetheless, like any invasive procedure, intravitreal injections come with risks, including infection, retinal detachment, and increased intraocular pressure, which necessitates careful post-procedure monitoring.
How do we give the injection, click here to see a short video of the procedure
Aflibercept (Eyelea)
Aflibercept is commonly used in the treatment of certain eye conditions, notably age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic macular edema. The drug acts as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, essentially "mopping up" VEGF in the eye, which plays a significant role in the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels and increased permeability of existing vessels.
By inhibiting VEGF, aflibercept helps to reduce blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye, thereby improving vision or preventing further vision loss in patients with these conditions. It is usually administered through intravitreal injections, allowing for targeted delivery of the medication directly into the affected area.
Typically the effect of aflibercept lasts for upto 2 months
Ranibizumab (Lucentis, Accentrix, Razumab, Ranizurel)
While the mechanism of action of Ranibizumab is similar to Aflibercept (both inhibit VEGF) - the duration of action of Ranibizumab is for about 1 month , therefore the need for more frequent injections.
Dexamethasone Implant (Ozurdex)
Ozurdex is a biodegradable, intravitreal implant that contains the corticosteroid medication dexamethasone. It is primarily used for treating various eye conditions, such as diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye. The implant is inserted directly into the vitreous humor of the eye through a small needle, where it gradually releases dexamethasone over a period of several months.
By delivering a sustained dose of corticosteroid directly to the affected area, Ozurdex effectively reduces inflammation, macular edema, and associated vision loss while minimizing systemic side effects. However, like any medical procedure or medication,
While, the longer duration of action for about 4 to 6 months makes it desirable, Ozurdex is not without risks, which may include elevated intraocular pressure, cataract formation, and a potential for infection. As such, regular monitoring is essential following the administration of this treatment.
How to choose?
The choice of medicine to use often depends therefore on various factors, including, severity of condition, associated other problems in the eye and body, and many more like so. Our responsibility is to guide you towards making the best possible choice for your eye condition, and deliver the best possible results.
