Retina · Medical Retina & AMD
An intravitreal injection (IVT) delivers a medication directly inside the eye, as close as possible to the retina. It is today the reference treatment for wet AMD and many forms of macular oedema. The procedure is brief and performed under local anaesthetic eye drops.
An intravitreal injection consists of introducing a medication into the vitreous, the transparent gel that fills the inside of the eye, by means of a very fine needle. The medication thus acts as close as possible to the retina, without being directly in contact with it. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions, after local anaesthesia with eye drops.
The injection is not made through the pupil, but through the white of the eye, a few millimetres from the edge of the cornea, in a safe zone.
IVT is one of the most commonly performed procedures in ophthalmology. Carried out under sterile conditions, it is brief and well-codified.
Intravitreal injections are indicated in several retinal diseases where they act on oedema or on abnormal blood vessels:
The injection is performed under sterile conditions and takes only a few minutes.
Careful disinfection of the eye and its surroundings, then anaesthesia with eye drops.
Placement of a sterile drape and a small lid speculum.
The medication is injected in a matter of moments through the white of the eye.
A few simple instructions are provided before you return home.
Thanks to anaesthetic eye drops, the procedure is generally painless; a sensation of pressure may be felt. After the injection, a small redness at the entry point, a gritty sensation, or small floating specks in the vision may appear and typically fade within a few days.
Injections follow a schedule tailored to each patient and each condition, reassessed using OCT. Depending on the response, injections may be more frequent at first and then spaced out. Regular follow-up is essential.
After an injection, certain signs should prompt you to contact the practice promptly: significant and worsening pain, marked deterioration in vision, intense redness, or increasing sensitivity to light. In an emergency, call 15 or attend a specialist ophthalmic emergency unit.
Thanks to anaesthetic eye drops, the procedure is generally painless. A sensation of pressure may be felt.
The number and frequency depend on the disease and the response to treatment, reassessed by OCT. There is no single answer.
Vision may be affected immediately afterwards. It is advisable to arrange transport. Instructions will be provided.
Intravitreal injections form part of the treatment of retinal diseases; the terms of coverage are explained during the consultation.
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