Why IVOM is a Key Treatment for Diabetes

Intravitreal Operative Medication (IVOM) is a crucial treatment for vision-threatening complications arising from diabetes, specifically targeting Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). In our Frankfurt Westend eye care practice, Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt, a retinal specialist, administers this modern therapy with utmost precision, guided by her patient-focused 5-S Method to ensure both safety and efficacy.

Chronic high blood sugar damages the small, delicate blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eye’s retina. This condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, can lead to the vessels becoming leaky.

When fluid leaks into the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision, it causes swelling. This is called Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and is a primary cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. Symptoms often include blurry or wavy vision and faded colors, making tasks like reading difficult.

IVOM for diabetes is the most effective way to combat this swelling and preserve sight.

How IVOM Injections Work for Diabetes

The primary driver of vessel leakage in DME is a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). In response to poor circulation, the eye produces an excess of VEGF, which makes blood vessels weak and permeable.

IVOM injections deliver anti-VEGF medications (such as Eylea® or Lucentis®) directly into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye. This medication acts as a sponge, binding to and neutralizing the excess VEGF.

The key effects are:

• Vessel Sealing: The leaky blood vessels become less permeable.
• Swelling Reduction: The macula begins to „dry out“ as the fluid is reabsorbed.
• Vision Preservation: By reducing the swelling, the function of the light-sensitive cells in the macula is protected, which can stabilize or even improve vision.

The Treatment Process: Your IVOM for Diabetes

We understand the anxiety associated with eye injections. That’s why we follow the 5-S Method (Safe, Gentle, Pain-free, Sterile, Meticulous) to ensure a comfortable and secure experience. The procedure is brief and performed at our modern surgical facility in the Westend Medical Center.

1. Preparation: The eye is thoroughly numbed using potent anesthetic eye drops.
2. Sterilization: The eye and the surrounding area are carefully disinfected to prevent infection.
3. Injection: A gentle device holds the eyelid open to prevent blinking. Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt then performs the injection, which takes only a few seconds.
4. Post-Procedure Care: After the injection and your aftercare plan is reviewed. Follow-up appointments will take place back in our practice.

IVOM in Diabetes: A Comparison with Laser Therapy

While laser treatment was once the standard, IVOM is now the primary therapy for DME that affects the center of the macula.

In some cases, a combination of IVOM for diabetes and laser therapy may be recommended for the best long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions about IVOM for Diabetes

How painful is the IVOM injection for diabetes?

Thanks to our pain-free 5-S Method, the IVOM injection for diabetes is not painful. The eye is completely numbed with powerful anesthetic drops, so you will not feel the injection itself. Most patients report feeling only a brief, slight pressure sensation during the procedure.

Is IVOM for diabetes a lifelong treatment?

For many patients, IVOM for diabetes is a long-term therapy to manage a chronic condition. The treatment frequency typically decreases over time as the eye stabilizes. Achieving excellent blood sugar and blood pressure control can significantly help reduce the number of injections needed in the long run.

Can I avoid injections if my blood sugar is well-controlled?

Excellent blood sugar control is the best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy from starting or worsening. However, once significant Diabetic Macular Edema has developed, good sugar control alone is often not enough to reverse the swelling. In this case, IVOM for diabetes is the crucial therapy needed to protect your vision.

What are the risks associated with this treatment?

IVOM for diabetes is a very safe procedure with a low risk of complications. The most common side effects are minor and temporary, such as a small red spot on the white of the eye. The most serious risk, though extremely rare, is an infection inside the eye, which we minimize through rigorous sterile techniques.

Will my vision improve after the first injection?

Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within the first few weeks after their initial IVOM for diabetes. The primary goal is to stop further vision loss, but vision gain is a frequent and welcome outcome. The degree of improvement depends on how long the swelling was present and the overall health of the macula.

How often will I need IVOM injections for my diabetes?

The treatment for IVOM in diabetes usually begins with a series of monthly injections to get the swelling under control. As the retina responds and dries out, the interval between injections is gradually extended. The goal is to find the longest possible interval that keeps the macula stable and free of fluid.

What happens if I stop the IVOM treatments?

Stopping the therapy against medical advice is risky, as the effects of the medication are temporary. The VEGF levels in the eye would rise again, leading to a return of the macular swelling and progressive, often irreversible, vision loss. Consistent treatment is key to long-term success with IVOM for diabetes.

Does the treatment have any effect on my diabetes itself?

The IVOM for diabetes is a local treatment that works only inside your eye and has no effect on your blood sugar levels or the overall management of your diabetes. It is crucial to continue working closely with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to manage your systemic health. This teamwork is vital for protecting your eyes and your entire body.

Are there any alternatives to IVOM for diabetic macular edema?

While IVOM for diabetes is the gold standard, other options exist for specific situations. Laser treatment may be used for swelling that does not involve the very center of the macula. In some cases, a steroid implant injected into the eye can also be an effective alternative, particularly if there is significant inflammation.

Why is it important to see a retinal specialist for this treatment?

A retinal specialist like Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt has advanced training and extensive experience in diagnosing and managing complex retinal conditions. Proper administration of IVOM for diabetes and the expert interpretation of follow-up scans (OCTs) are crucial for tailoring the treatment to your specific needs. This expertise ensures you receive the highest standard of care for the best possible visual outcome.