What is (IVT) For?
Certain eye conditions can lose central vision when abnormal blood vessels or fluid leak under the retina at the back of the eye.
A course of injections of anti-VEGF medicines are given to help control the leakage.
The treatment is highly effective in preserving central vision in many people.
When would I need it?
- Wet age related macular degeneration
- Myopic choroidal neovascularization
- Diabetic macular oedema
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Any other retinal condition causing fluid leak under the retina
Procedure
Procedure
Visual acuities and eye pressures will be measured
OCT Scans and photography of the eyes can show us if there is blood or fluid present within the retinal layers and help us decide on the treatment.
A discussion regarding your eye health with Mr Spiteri and the available options and risk to benefit conversation.
Treatment
Post-Op Medication
Procedure
The medication is injected into your eye with a fine needle.
Minimal discomfort is to be expected.
The procedure takes five to seven minutes, but the injection itself is over in 20 seconds.
The injection is given with you lying down comfortably on the couch.
local anaesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye and eyelids are cleaned to prevent infection.
vision is then assessed after procedure by checking you can see hand movements and count fingers.
Post-Op Medication
Post-Op Medication
Post-Op Medication
Lubricating eye drops are given after injection to provide some comfort, drops can be used as often as necessary.
Many patients will require a loading course of 3 injections at regular intervals of 4 weeks.
After 3 injections, the majority of patients will require further injections depending on the leakiness of the blood vessels.
Follow up appointment will be organized to access the back of the eye health.
Risks & Benefits?
Post-Op Medication
Post-Op Medication
Most complications that might occur are from the injection itself, not the medication.
However, the procedure risk level is very small.
- Red eye
- Sore & Gritty feeling
- Blobs or small specks in vision (Floaters)
- Flashing light, or swirls of light
Rare Risks:
- Serious eye infection
(1 in 2000 Cases)
- Detached Retina
- Increased eye Pressure
- Blood Clots & bleeding
- Inflammation inside the eye
- Cataract progression
Aftercare
Aftercare
Aftercare
No special precautions after the IVT injection.
You are able to travel as normal, but avoid getting water into your eye or swimming for the first few days.
This is just to prevent the possibility of an eye infection, due to the injection process.