Intravitreal (IVT) Injections

Certain eye conditions can lead to a loss of central vision when abnormal blood vessels or fluid leak under the retina at the back of the eye. 

To address these issues, effective eye treatment procedures often involve intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medicines, which help control the leakage. 

This approach is a key part of retinal conditions treatment that has been shown to preserve central vision in many individuals.

Wet age-related macular degeneration, myopic choroidal neovascularization, diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusion are serious retinal conditions that often require effective treatment. 

One common method for managing these issues is through eye treatment procedures such as intravitreal injections, which can help address fluid leaks under the retina caused by various retinal conditions.

Visual acuities and eye pressures will be measured to assess your eye health. 

OCT scans and photography of the eyes can reveal whether there is blood or fluid present within the retinal layers, assisting us in deciding on appropriate eye treatment procedures.

 Additionally, a discussion regarding your eye health with Mr. Spiteri will cover available options, including intravitreal injections and a conversation on the risks and benefits associated with retinal conditions treatment.

The medication used in this eye treatment procedure is injected into your eye with a fine needle as part of the intravitreal injections for retinal conditions treatment. 

Minimal discomfort is to be expected during the process. The entire procedure takes five to seven minutes, but the injection itself lasts only about 20 seconds. You will be lying down comfortably on the couch while the injection is administered. 

Local anaesthetic drops are applied to numb your eye, and your eyelids are cleaned to prevent any risk of infection. After the procedure, your vision will be assessed by checking your ability to see hand movements and count fingers.

Lubricating eye drops are administered after intravitreal injections to provide comfort, and these drops can be used as often as necessary.

 Many patients undergoing eye treatment procedures will require a loading course of 3 injections at regular intervals of 4 weeks. After these 3 intravitreal injections, the majority of patients will need further injections based on the leakiness of the blood vessels. 

A follow-up appointment will be organized to assess the health of the back of the eye as part of their retinal conditions treatment.

Most complications that might occur during eye treatment procedures, specifically from intravitreal injections, are related to the injection itself rather than the medication. 

However, the overall risk level associated with these procedures is very low. Potential side effects may include red eye, a sore and gritty feeling, floaters such as blobs or small specks in vision, and flashes or swirls of light. 

Rare risks include serious eye infections (1 in 2000 cases), detached retina, increased eye pressure, blood clots, bleeding, inflammation inside the eye, and cataract progression—all important considerations in retinal conditions treatment.

No special precautions are necessary after your intravitreal injection during eye treatment procedures. 

You can travel as usual, but it's important to avoid getting water into your eye or swimming for the first few days. 

This helps reduce the risk of an eye infection that could arise from the retinal conditions treatment process.