Macular eye injection: The modern therapy to protect your eyesight

Intravitreal injections into the macula, known medically as IVOM therapy, are the most important and effective treatment method for preserving vision in cases of severe retinal diseases. For many patients, a diagnosis of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular edema 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 these fears and providing you with a safe, virtually painless, and highly effective treatment.

Macular injection: When is this treatment necessary?

One Eye injection at the macula Surgery becomes necessary whenever pathological processes inside the eye threaten the area of sharpest vision. In diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetes, new but abnormal and leaky blood vessels grow under the retina, or existing vessels become permeable. This leads to fluid and blood leaking into the macula, causing 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.

The effect of the eye injection on the macula: The VEGF principle

Modern therapy with the Eye injection at the macula This addresses the root cause of the problem. The primary culprit behind abnormal blood vessel growth and increased permeability 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 at the macula It not only stops the deterioration, but also gives the retina a chance to recover and stabilize eyesight.

The procedure for your macular injection: Safe with the 5-S method

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. The procedure itself takes place at our nearby, state-of-the-art surgical center in the Westend Medical Center.

1. Careful preparation: We will provide you with comprehensive information. Before the procedure, your eye will be completely numbed by multiple doses of highly effective numbing eye drops.
2. Strict hygiene: The entire procedure takes place under the strictest sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection.
3. Gentle & low-pain implementation: An eyelid clamp gently holds the eye open. The injection itself only takes a few seconds and is not painful.
4. Safe aftercare: Immediately after the injection, the intraocular pressure and visual acuity are checked for initial assessment. Further follow-up care then takes place in the familiar atmosphere of our practice.

Eye injections for macular diseases: An overview

Intravitreal injection therapy (IVOM) is a targeted treatment whose specific goal depends on the underlying disease. The following table provides an overview of the most common applications.

Frequently asked questions about eye injections at the macula

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

Is an eye injection at the macula 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 at the macula as a brief, light pressure, but not as pain, and are relieved after the first treatment at how uncomplicated the procedure is.

How often does the treatment need to be repeated?

The therapy with Eye injections at the macula This is a long-term treatment for a chronic condition. Initially, a "loading phase" with several 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 the maculaDiseases like wet AMD cannot be cured, but they 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 at the macula This risk is reduced to an absolute minimum.

Can my eyesight improve again?

The main goal of therapy with Eye injections at the macula 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 injections in the eye at the macula?

For the treatment of wet AMD and diabetic macular edema, the following are available: Eye injections at the macula This is the global gold standard and by far the most effective method. Older procedures such as laser coagulation are now only used in very rare exceptional cases. Currently, there are no tablets or eye drops that have a comparable effect and can stop the disease.

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

On the day of your treatment, please rest and avoid rubbing your eye. Do not drive, sign any contracts, or participate in sports, swimming, or sauna activities. If you experience severe pain, increasing redness, or a sudden deterioration in your vision, please contact us immediately.

Will my health insurance cover the costs of the treatment?

Yes, treatment with a Eye injection at the macula This is a recognized benefit for eligible conditions. The costs are generally fully covered by private health insurance. You can therefore concentrate entirely on your recovery without having to worry about financing the therapy.

How can I tell if I have a macular disease?

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 at the macula is crucial for the success of the treatment.

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

The implementation of Eye injections at the macula 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 serious macular degeneration is no reason to give up. Modern ophthalmology offers a range of treatment options, including... Eye injections at the macula 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.