Eye injection for macular degeneration: Modern therapy to preserve your eyesight

Intravitreal injections (IVOM) are the most important and effective treatment method for preserving vision in the wet form of macular degeneration, a serious eye disease. For many sufferers, a diagnosis of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is initially a shock, accompanied by the fear of irreversible vision loss. At our ophthalmology practice in Frankfurt Westend, Dr. Mareen Schmidt, an experienced retinal specialist, is dedicated to alleviating this fear and providing you with a safe, virtually painless, and highly effective therapy.

Eye injection for macular degeneration: Why this treatment is necessary

To address the need for Eye injections for macular degeneration To understand wet AMD, one must understand the pathological process. In this form of the disease, new, but abnormal and leaky blood vessels grow beneath the central part of the retina, the macula. Fluid and blood leak from these vessels, leading to swelling (edema) and rapid, severe damage to the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells.

The consequences include typical symptoms such as:

• Distorted vision (metamorphopsia): Straight lines, such as window frames or tile joints, suddenly appear wavy or crooked.
• A dark spot in the center: A grey or black spot is perceived in the center of the visual field.
• Rapid vision loss: Reading ability and facial recognition skills are declining rapidly.

Without targeted treatment, this process leads to progressive destruction of the macula and ultimately to practical blindness in the central visual field.

Eye injections for macular degeneration – How the therapy works: The VEGF principle

Modern therapy with Eye injections for macular degeneration This addresses the root cause of the problem. The primary culprit behind abnormal blood vessel growth is a naturally occurring messenger substance called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). The medications injected during IVOM therapy (e.g., ranibizumab or aflibercept) are so-called VEGF inhibitors. They act like a "VEGF scavenger" inside the eye: they bind the excess messenger substance and neutralize it.

This interrupts the signaling chain, leading to the following positive effects:

• The abnormal blood vessels recede.
• The vessel walls are resealed.
• The fluid is removed from the retina, and the swelling subsides.

The Eye injection for macular degeneration It not only stops the deterioration, but also gives the retina a chance to recover and stabilize eyesight.

Eye injections for macular degeneration: Only effective in the wet form

It is crucial to understand that treatment with Eye injections for macular degeneration It is used exclusively for the wet form of AMD. Dry AMD, which is far more common, has a different disease progression and requires a different treatment strategy.

Our 5-S method: Your guarantee for a safe and painless treatment

The idea of an injection near the eye is anxiety-inducing. That's why we perform every treatment according to our specially developed 5-S method. It's our promise to you for treatment of the highest quality and comfort.

• Safe: Each injection is performed exclusively by Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt, an experienced retinal specialist, in compliance with the strictest medical protocols.
• Gentle: We take our time, create a calm atmosphere and carry out the procedure with the utmost care and precision.
• Low pain: Thanks to intensive, multi-stage local anesthesia with highly effective eye drops, the treatment is not painful for you.
• Sterile: Uncompromising hygiene in accordance with surgical standards minimizes the risk of infection, the most serious potential complication.
• Carefully: From comprehensive information and precise planning to close follow-up care, every step is monitored with the utmost care.

Frequently asked questions about eye injections for macular degeneration

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions that we patients have about therapy with the Eye injection for macular degeneration in our Frankfurt practice.

Are eye injections for macular degeneration painful?

No, the treatment is not painful thanks to our low-pain 5-S method. Due to the intensive numbing of the eye's surface, you won't feel the insertion of the ultra-fine needle. Most of our patients describe the Eye injection for macular degeneration as a brief, light pressure, but not as pain, and are relieved after the first treatment.

How often does the treatment need to be repeated?

The therapy with Eye injections for macular degeneration This is a long-term treatment for a chronic condition. Initially, a "loading phase" with three injections at monthly intervals is typical. Subsequently, the treatment intervals are individually adjusted to your condition ("treat and extend") to control the disease long-term with as few injections as possible, but as many as necessary.

Can the treatment cure macular degeneration?

No, according to the current state of science, the Eye injections for macular degeneration Wet AMD cannot be cured, but it can be very effectively controlled. The goal is to put the disease into an inactive, "dry" state and maintain this state permanently. Without regular treatment, the disease would reactivate, which is why continuous therapy is so important.

What are the risks and side effects?

The most common side effects are harmless, such as a small red spot on the eye or a temporary foreign body sensation. The most serious, but extremely rare, complication is an infection inside the eye. Due to our strict sterile procedures during the treatment, this is highly unlikely. Eye injection for macular degeneration This risk is reduced to a minimum.

Can my eyesight improve again?

The main goal of therapy with Eye injections for macular degeneration The primary goal is to halt further deterioration. However, in many patients, especially with early treatment, a significant improvement in vision and a reduction in bothersome distorted vision can also be achieved. While there is no guarantee of this, the chance of improvement is an important aspect of treatment.

Are there alternatives to eye injections for macular degeneration?

For the treatment of wet AMD, the following are recommended: Eye injections for macular degeneration The worldwide gold standard and by far the most effective method. Older procedures such as laser coagulation or photodynamic therapy are now only used in very rare exceptional cases. There are currently no tablets or eye drops that have a comparable effect and could stop the disease.

What do I need to be aware of after the injection?

On the day of your treatment, you should rest and avoid rubbing your eye, driving, signing contracts, playing sports, swimming, or using a sauna. If you experience severe pain, increasing redness, or a sudden deterioration in your vision, you must contact us immediately. After the Eye injection for macular degeneration You will receive a detailed information sheet with all the important rules of conduct.

Will my health insurance cover the costs of the treatment?

Yes, the treatment of wet AMD with approved medications is a recognized service. The costs for the Eye injections for macular degeneration These costs are generally fully covered by private health insurance. You can therefore concentrate entirely on your recovery without having to worry about financing your therapy.

How can I tell if I have wet AMD?

The typical first sign that should prompt you to contact us immediately is the sudden onset of distorted vision (metamorphopsia). Regularly test yourself with an Amsler grid: Look at the grid with one eye and check if the lines are straight. Prompt initiation of therapy with Eye injections for macular degeneration is crucial for the success of the treatment and the preservation of eyesight.

Why is the experience of Dr. Mareen Schmidt so important here?

The implementation of Eye injections for macular degeneration This requires the utmost precision and expertise. Managing the treatment intervals demands extensive experience to achieve optimal treatment success. As a retinal specialist, Dr. Mareen Schmidt possesses the necessary expertise to guarantee you the safest and most effective treatment and to ensure long-term therapeutic success.

Your eyesight is our mission

A diagnosis of wet macular degeneration is no reason to give up. Modern ophthalmology offers a range of treatment options. Eye injections for macular degeneration An excellent way to preserve your eyesight and thus your quality of life. At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's practice in Frankfurt, you are in the best and most experienced hands with this diagnosis. Please feel free to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive and personal consultation.