💉 Clinical Procedure — Intervention சிகிச்சை — கண்னுள் ஆமீ஫்

Intravitreal Injections

கண்னுள் ஆமீ஫் சிகிச்சை

Anti-VEGF and steroid injections into the vitreous cavity — indications, procedure, and follow-up schedule.

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Procedure

Intravitreal Injections

Anti-VEGF & Steroid Therapy for Retinal Disease
Optic Disc Macula / Fovea Retinal fundus — red dots = haemorrhages, yellow = exudates Fundus View (as seen on examination)

Retinal fundus — as seen on examination

Conditions Treated
  • Wet AMD
  • Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO)
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO/CRVO)
  • Myopic choroidal neovascularisation
  • Diabetic Retinopathy (with macular involvement)
What are Intravitreal Injections? கண்ணுள் ஊசி என்றால் என்ன?

An intravitreal injection is the administration of a small volume of medication directly into the vitreous cavity — the gel-filled space inside the eye behind the lens. This delivers high concentrations of the drug exactly where it is needed: at the retina.

This approach bypasses the blood-eye barrier that prevents most oral or intravenous drugs from reaching the retina in effective concentrations.

Types of Intravitreal Medication

  • Anti-VEGF agents (Bevacizumab/Avastin, Ranibizumab/Accentrix, Aflibercept/Eylea, Brolucizumab/Beovu): Block vascular endothelial growth factor, which drives abnormal leaky blood vessel growth in wet AMD and DMO. Most commonly used.
  • Steroid implants / injections (Triamcinolone, Ozurdex implant): Reduce inflammation and fluid in the retina. Used when anti-VEGF has limited effect or in vein occlusion.
Conditions Treated with Intravitreal Injections கண்ணுள் ஊசியால் சரிசெய்யும் நிலைமைகள்
  • Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid, causing rapid central vision loss. Anti-VEGF injections are the standard treatment, usually given monthly or as needed.
  • Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO): Fluid accumulation in the central retina (macula) caused by diabetic leaky vessels. Treated with Anti-VEGF or steroid injections.
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO/CRVO): Blockage of retinal veins causing haemorrhage and macular oedema. Anti-VEGF or Ozurdex implant is used to reduce swelling and preserve vision.
  • Myopic Choroidal Neovascularisation: Abnormal vessel growth in highly myopic (short-sighted) patients that threatens central vision. Responds well to anti-VEGF.
The Injection Procedure — What to Expect ஊசி முறை — என்ன நடக்கும்?
1
Anaesthetic drops
Eye drops numb the surface of the eye. There is no needle in or around the eyelid. The eye itself is not injected with local anaesthetic.
2
Antiseptic preparation
Povidone-iodine drops are applied to sterilise the eye surface and conjunctival sac. A sterile drape and speculum keep the eyelids open.
3
Injection into the vitreous
A very fine needle (30-gauge) is inserted through the pars plana (white of the eye, 3.5 mm from the cornea). The medication is injected in under 1 second. Most patients feel pressure, not pain.
4
IOP check
Intraocular pressure is checked immediately after the injection to ensure it remains safe.
5
Post-injection instructions
Antibiotic drops for 3–5 days. Avoid water in the eye for 48 hours. Avoid rubbing. Return urgently if pain, severe redness, or vision loss occurs.

The injection itself takes under 60 seconds. The entire clinic visit including preparation takes about 30–45 minutes. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the procedure is.

Follow-up Schedule for Injection Therapy ஊசி சிகிச்சை பின்தொடர் அட்டவணை

Intravitreal injections are not a one-time treatment — most conditions require a series of injections followed by ongoing monitoring. Dr. Laavanyaa will tailor the frequency based on your OCT results and disease activity.

ConditionTypical Loading PhaseMaintenance
Wet AMD3 monthly injectionsEvery 1–3 months (PRN/T&E)
DMO3–5 monthly injectionsAs needed based on OCT
BRVO/CRVO3 monthly injectionsAs needed
Myopic CNV1–3 injectionsOften no further injections

OCT imaging is performed at each visit to monitor fluid levels in the retina and guide treatment decisions.

Need a Consultation?

Book an appointment with Dr. Laavanyaa at SRM Prime Hospital or P&G Multispeciality Hospital, Chennai.