Eye injections for wet AMD: The modern therapy to preserve your eyesight

Eye injections for wet AMD are the most important and effective treatment method for preserving vision in the aggressive form of age-related macular degeneration. For many sufferers, a diagnosis of wet AMD (age-related macular degeneration) 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 focused on alleviating this fear and providing a safe, virtually painless, and highly effective treatment. Eye injection for wet AMD to stand by your side to help preserve your quality of life.

Understanding wet AMD: Why an eye injection becomes necessary

To address the need for Eye injection for wet AMD To understand macular degeneration, one must understand the pathological process of this disease. In the wet form of macular degeneration, 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 rapid swelling (edema) and severe damage to the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells. If left untreated, this process progresses rapidly and destroys central vision.

The consequences include typical symptoms such as:

• Distorted vision (metamorphopsia): Straight lines, such as window frames or tile joints, suddenly appear wavy, crooked, or bent.
• A blurry or dark spot in the center: You notice a grey, dark, or blurry spot right in the center of your field of vision, which is distracting when you read.
• Rapid vision loss: Reading ability and facial recognition decline within weeks or even days.

The Eye injection for wet AMD is the only therapy that can effectively stop this process.

Eye injections for wet AMD: How IVOM therapy works

Modern therapy with Eye injections for wet AMD 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, 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 wet AMD It not only stops the deterioration, but also gives the retina a chance to recover and stabilize eyesight.

Eye injections for wet AMD compared: The modern gold standard

Intravitreal injection therapy has replaced older, less effective, or more harmful treatment methods and is now considered the undisputed gold standard. The following table compares modern injection therapy with an outdated procedure.

Eye injection for wet AMD according to our 5-S method

The idea of an injection in the eye is frightening. That's why we perform every Eye injection for wet AMD The treatment is carried out according to our specially developed 5-S method. It is our promise to you for a 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 wet AMD

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

Is the eye injection painful in cases of wet AMD?

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 wet AMD as a brief, light pressure, but not as pain, and are relieved after the first treatment at how uncomplicated the procedure actually is.

How often does the treatment need to be repeated?

The therapy with Eye injections for wet AMD 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 and stabilize your vision with as few injections as possible, but as many as necessary.

Can an eye injection cure macular degeneration in wet AMD?

No, according to the current state of science, the Eye injection for wet AMD The treatment cannot cure the disease, but it can control it very effectively. 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 for preserving your eyesight.

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 wet AMD This risk is reduced to an absolute minimum to ensure your maximum safety.

Can my eyesight improve again?

The main goal of therapy with Eye injections for wet AMD 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 intraocular injections for wet AMD?

For the treatment of wet AMD, the Eye injection for wet AMD 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, you should rest and avoid rubbing your eye, driving, playing sports, and signing contracts. If you experience severe pain, increasing redness, or a sudden deterioration in your vision, please contact us immediately so we can schedule an appointment for you at our practice.

Will my health insurance cover the costs of the treatment?

Yes, the treatment of wet AMD with approved medications (IVOM therapy) is a medically necessary service recognized by health insurance companies and the German Medical Association. The costs for the Eye injections for wet AMD 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 onset of distorted vision (metamorphopsia). You may have trouble recognizing faces, reading, or doing close work. Regularly test yourself with an Amsler grid: Look at the grid with one eye and check if the lines are straight. A prompt start to therapy with Eye injections for wet AMD 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 wet AMD 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 wet AMD 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.