Anti-VEGF treatment is recommended in the following retinal conditions of the eye:
The procedure is best done in the operation theatre with all aseptic precautions. The drug is injected into your eye with a fine needle. Only minimal discomfort is to be expected (equivalent to having blood taken from your arm). The whole procedure takes around 10 minutes, but the injection itself is over in less than 20 seconds.
The injection is given with you lying down comfortably. First, local anaesthetic drops are applied to numb your eye and minimise discomfort. Then, your eyelids and surface of the eye are cleaned to prevent infection. Your face and the area around your eye will be covered by a small surgical sheet (a drape) to keep the area sterile. A small clip (speculum) will be used to keep the eye open. The injection site is marked with callipers and your eye is stabilised with forceps or a cotton bud. A few seconds later, the injection is given.
After the injection, antibiotic and lubricating eyedrops are prescribed. Your next appointment will be scheduled for the next day. It is important to check the intraocular pressure on the next day.
Anti-VEGF treatment may not be recommended for people in the following categories:
Pregnant or breast-feeding women – If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please discuss this with your doctor before your intravitreal injection treatment. Anti-VEGF medicines should be used with caution during pregnancy. Women of child-bearing potential should use effective contraception during their treatment and for at least three months after the last intravitreal injection. If you do become pregnant whilst undergoing intravitreal injections, please inform your doctor immediately. Anti-VEGF medicines are not recommended during breastfeeding because it is not known whether the medicine passes into human milk. Ask your doctor for advice before treatment.
People who have an infection in or around either eye or severe infection anywhere in their body should not be given anti-VEGF therapy.
Anti-VEGF should be used with caution in patients who have had a heart attack or stroke in the last three months, or who have uncontrolled angina or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Please ensure you inform the doctor if there are any changes in your medical condition.
People with an allergy to anti-VEGF medication should not be given anti-VEGF therapy.
You may also experience transient flashing lights or swirls of light immediately after the injection. It is important to note that most of the discomfort relating to injections is due to the use of Povidone Iodine antiseptic. This is a vital part of the injection process and reduces the risk of infection.
If your eye becomes redder, sensitive to light, swollen and painful, or your vision gets worse after the anti-VEGF treatment, you must inform your ophthalmologist at once. This might be a sign of infection, which would normally occur within the first week after the injection, with minimal risk.
Anti-VEGF and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Some patients have developed a serious eye inflammation when receiving treatment with both anti-VEGF and Verteporfin (Visudynephotodynamic therapy or PDT). To avoid this, tell your eye doctor about all the medicines you take, whether prescription or non-prescription medicines. This includes blood pressure medication, warfarin, aspirin, and vitamins. You must also inform the doctor if any medication has changed since your last visit.
Disclaimer: All information, provided above is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Read our full disclaimer here.
