Intravitreal Injection

An intravitreal injection is an injection treatment given to the eye and is used in the treatment of intraocular diseases. During this procedure, medication is injected directly into the vitreous cavity (the jelly-like structure at the back of the eye). The treatment targets diseases occurring in the back structures of the eye such as the retina and macula. By allowing the medication to reach the area where the disease is located directly, this treatment plays an important role in stopping the progression of eye diseases. Intravitreal injections are used to stop the progression of many eye diseases or to protect vision. Because the blood-retina barrier forms a very strong obstacle, medications given by mouth or through a vein have little effect in retinal diseases. Drops applied to the eye, because of the thick sclera and cornea, also reach the retina that forms the back wall of the eye only to a very small extent.

In Which Situations Is an Intravitreal Injection Performed?

Intravitreal injections are used for various situations in which serious damage may occur in the eye.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Especially in the "wet" form of age-related macular degeneration, vision loss occurs as a result of the growth of abnormal vessels beneath the retina. In the treatment of this disease, anti-VEGF medications are administered with intravitreal injection. These medications stop the formation of abnormal vessels and reduce bleeding.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes can cause damage to the retinal vessels, and this can lead to edema (fluid accumulation) in the eye and vision loss. With intravitreal injections, steroids or anti-VEGF medications are given and the edema is treated.

Retinal Vein Occlusions: Vision loss can develop as a result of blockages in the retinal vessels. Intravitreal injections treat the retinal edema and bleeding caused by this condition.

Endophthalmitis (Intraocular Infections): When an infection develops in the eye, antibiotics or antifungal medications are injected into the eye to bring the infection under control.

Macular Edema: Vision loss occurs with the accumulation of fluid in the macula at the center of the retina. Injections can help regain visual ability by reducing this fluid accumulation.

Medications Used

Anti-VEGF Medications: These medications stop abnormal vessel development and fluid leakage in the eye. Commonly used anti-VEGF medications include ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and bevacizumab (Avastin).

Steroids: Steroids such as triamcinolone or the dexamethasone implant are used to reduce inflammation and edema in the eye. They are especially effective in diabetic macular edema.

Antibiotics and Antifungals: In the treatment of intraocular infections, antibiotic or antifungal medications are injected into the eye to bring the infection under control.

How Is an Intravitreal Injection Performed?

An intravitreal injection is a short procedure performed in a sterile environment, usually under drop anesthesia. Preparation: The eye is sterilized and anesthetic drops are instilled. Injection: The medication is injected directly into the vitreous cavity at the back of the eye with a thin needle. Pain during the injection is minimal. Afterwards: After the procedure the patient is observed for a short time and eye drops are prescribed. There may be mild discomfort or blurred vision in the first days, but this usually resolves quickly.

Risks and Side Effects

As with any medical procedure, an intravitreal injection may also have some risks. Infection (endophthalmitis): There is a risk of infection when injecting into the eye, but this risk is quite low. It is the most feared situation and can progress as far as loss of the eye. Retinal detachment: Although rare, retinal detachment can occur after injection. Intraocular bleeding: There may be bleeding at the injection site, but this usually passes in a short time. Discomfort in the eye: There may be mild discomfort and redness in the eye after the injection, and this is usually temporary.

Summary

An intravitreal injection is an effective method in the treatment of serious diseases in the eye. It helps protect visual ability especially in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular occlusions. By allowing the medication to reach the area where the disease is located directly, this treatment plays an important role in stopping the progression of eye diseases and needs to be followed up with regular doctor check-ups.

This page is for general information and does not replace a personal examination. The right approach is decided together after an eye examination.