Retinal and Intravitreal Injections

What are Intravitreal Retinal Injections?

Intravitreal injections consist of administering medication into the eye to treat eye diseases and protect the patient’s vision. Among other pathologies, it is most commonly used for macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

Retinography can detect different diseases affecting the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.

Symptoms

Its main indication is diabetic macular edema (accumulation of fluid in the macula), in which either corticosteroids or intraocular antiangiogenic agents and wet macular degeneration are used.

  • Blurred vision
  • Dark areas
  • Appearance of twisted or wavy lines
  • Difficulties in performing tasks such as reading, driving, etc.

Indicated treatment

Before the injection, the eye and eyelids are disinfected and after the injection, antibiotic drops should be instilled in the eye for a few days.

The injection itself is a short procedure. It can be performed in the operating room or on an outpatient basis, but always under minimum aseptic conditions. It is performed with topical anesthesia (drops) and generally does not cause great discomfort, since it is performed with a very fine needle.

Results

The effectiveness of these injections is very high. In 95% of the cases the disease is halted, while 40% of the treated patients improve their visual acuity. Generally, several injections are required to achieve the desired effect.

The greatest risk is infection of the eye. In any case, if performed correctly, the risk is minimal (much lower than after cataract surgery, for example).

Specialists

Dr. Javier Placeres

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Our specialties

Hyperopia

Macular degeneration

Diabetic Eye disease

Blocked tear duct

Strabismus

Astigmatism

Cataracts

Glaucoma

Amblyopia or Lazy eye

Myopia

Presbyopia