Intravitreal injections are a treatment for wet macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. They consist of locally administering an antigiogenic drug inside the eye. As mentioned above, the main indication is diabetic macular edema (accumulation of fluid in the macula), in which either corticosteroids or antigiogenic drugs are used.
Pre and post intravitreal injection process
Before performing the intravitreal injections, the ophthalmology specialist will disinfect the eye and eyelids and, once the injection has been performed, antibiotic drops will be applied to the eye for a few days.
How long does the intravitreal injection procedure last and possible risks?
The injection is a short procedure that can be performed in the operating room or on an outpatient basis, always under aseptic conditions. It is performed under topical anesthesia in the form of drops and does not usually cause discomfort, since it is administered with a very fine needle.
Although the greatest risk of intravitreal injection is infection of the eye, if it is applied properly, the risk is minimal.
Effectiveness and guarantees of intravitreal injection
Intravitreal injection is highly effective. In 95% of cases the disease is stopped and another 40% of patients improve their visual acuity. However, it should be noted that several injections are necessary to achieve evolution and improvement.