Intravitreal Injections: Eylea HD, Pavblu, Vabysmo, Avastin, Syfovre
Intravitreal injections are the most common treatment performed by retina specialists and are used to treat a wide variety of retinal diseases. Using a very small needle, a doctor injects medication through the sclera (the white part of your eye) and into the vitreous (the thick, gel-like inside of your eye). From there, the medication can reach the retina to improve or stabilize your vision.
Intravitreal injections are performed in our office using local anesthesia applied to the eye. Though they sound awful, between the topical anesthesia and the quickness of the procedure, there is typically little to no pain, just some mild pressure, and it’s over before you know it.
What Kind of Drugs Can Be Given by Intravitreal Injection?
- Anti-VEGF drugs
- Anti-complement drugs
- Steroids, which reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics, antiviral, and antifungal medications
When and How Often Are Intravitreal Injections Recommended?
Intravitreal injections are typically recommended to treat abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid and blood into the retina, leading to vision loss in conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. Intravitreal injections may also be used for certain eye infections and ocular inflammation (uveitis). Most recently, intravitreal injections have been used to successfully slow down the progression of Geographic Atrophy (GA), the most advanced stage of dry age-related macular degeneration.
It is important to understand that for most of these conditions, intravitreal injections are not a cure, and they often need to be repeated approximately every 1-4 months, indefinitely, in order to maintain the vision benefit. At Mid Atlantic Retina Specialists, we use the newest medications available to minimize your treatment burden and make sure you are getting the best results.
Schedule a Retinal Consultation Today
At Mid Atlantic Retina Specialists, our team of experienced retina specialists can diagnose and treat various retinal conditions with intravitreal injections and other advanced procedures. Request an appointment today at one of our retina centers in Hagerstown, MD, Frederick, MD, Chambersburg, PA, or Bedford, PA.
