Intravitreal Injections

An intravitreal injection is a minor surgical procedure (intravitreous injection). With intravitreal injections special medications are injected into this vitreous body (the transparent gel inside the eye).

These medications – drugs are most of the time anti – vascular endothelial growth (anti – VEGF) factors (inhibit the action of the VEGF factor) and they are primarily used to treat conditions affecting the posterior segment of the eye (retina and macula), thereby improving visual acuity (VA). VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) typically promotes the growth of pathological, abnormal blood vessels (neovessels).

Intravitreal injections of appropriate anti – VEGF medications limit the expansion of neovascularization effect (destructive action) and any potential hemorrhages – leaks for vision stabilization.

An intravitreal injection is performed under local anesthesia (anesthetic eye drops). A fine needle is used by a specialized ophthalmologist to inject the medication, and the entire procedure takes about 10 minutes, including preparation. The patient feels no pain, but only a slight, normal pinch.

The timeline and the total number of intravitreal injections are determined based on the ocular condition and the response to the treatment. At each visit, an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) examination is considered helpful for assessing the retina and evaluating the timing of the next injection. After the intravitreal injection, antibiotic eye drops are administered.

Intravitreal injections have objectively revolutionized the treatment of retinal and macular diseases.