IVOM eye injection: the modern therapy to protect your retina

An IVOM injection into the eye, technically known as „intravitreal surgical drug injection“, is one of the most important and sight-preserving treatments in modern ophthalmology. It enables us to treat serious diseases of the retina and macula directly at the site of the problem. At our ophthalmology practice in Frankfurt Westend, Dr. Mareen Schmidt understands the concerns associated with this procedure and has optimized the entire process according to her patient-centric 5-S method, which is designed for maximum safety, comfort and efficacy.

What is an IVOM injection into the eye and how does it work?

One IVOM injection into the eye is a short surgical procedure in which a medication is injected into the vitreous body, the gel-like core of the eyeball, using a wafer-thin needle. This method is necessary if there are diseases at the back of the eye that cannot be treated with eye drops or tablets. The IVOM injection into the eye is now the gold standard for the treatment of diseases in which abnormal blood vessels grow or leak and lead to swelling of the center of the retina (macular edema). The injected drugs, usually so-called VEGF inhibitors, block a specific growth factor in the eye that is responsible for these pathological processes. As a result, the vessels are sealed again, the swelling decreases and the process of visual deterioration is halted.

The most common areas of application for an IVOM injection into the eye are

• Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The most common indication for preventing vision loss in old age.
• Diabetic macular edema (DME): A serious complication of diabetes in the eye.
• Macular edema after retinal vein occlusion: For the treatment of swelling after a „thrombosis“ in the eye.
• Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis): For rapid and targeted control of severe, non-infectious inflammatory reactions that threaten vision.

The IVOM injection into the eye using the 5-S method: Our promise for your safety

We understand your concerns about injections in the eye. That is why we have IVOM injection into the eye in our Frankfurt practice is designed according to the strict principles of our 5-S method. It is our promise to you for treatment at the highest level of quality and comfort.

• Safe: Each IVOM injection into the eye is performed by Dr. Mareen Schmidt, an experienced retina specialist.
• 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 and ointments, 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 through to close follow-up care, every step of the IVOM-therapy with the utmost care.

The procedure for your IVOM injection into the eye: explained step by step

One IVOM injection into the eye is a short, outpatient procedure that takes place at our nearby, state-of-the-art surgical facility at Westend Medical Center. The entire process is highly standardized and designed with your safety in mind.

1. Preparation: You will receive detailed information. Before the procedure, your eye will be prepared by administering anesthetic eye drops several times until the surface is completely insensitive to pain.
2. Hygiene: The eye and the surrounding skin are carefully disinfected. The entire procedure takes place under the strictest sterile conditions.
3. The injection: A gentle eyelid clamp holds your eye open so that you do not have to blink. Dr. Mareen Schmidt then carries out the injection quickly and precisely into the white of the eye.
4. Aftercare: Immediately after the injection, the eye pressure and visual function are checked. The further aftercare of your IVOM injection into the eye will then take place again in the familiar atmosphere of our practice.

The IVOM injection into the eye for various diseases: An overview

IVOM therapy is a targeted treatment whose specific goal depends on the underlying disease. The following table gives you an overview.

Frequently asked questions about IVOM injections into the eye

Here you will find answers to common questions that patients ask us about treatment with a IVOM injection into the eye in our Frankfurt practice.

Is the IVOM injection into the eye painful?

No, the IVOM injection into the eye is not painful thanks to our low-pain 5-S method. Due to the intensive local anesthesia of the eye surface, you will not feel the puncture itself, at most a brief, slight feeling of pressure. Our entire team specializes in providing you with an anxiety-free and comfortable treatment. IVOM injection into the eye which is one of our top priorities.

How often does the IVOM injection into the eye have to be repeated?

Treatment with a IVOM injection into the eye is a long-term therapy for a chronic illness. At the beginning, a „saturation phase“ with several injections at monthly intervals is usually necessary. The treatment intervals are then individually adapted to your findings in order to achieve a stable result with as few injections as possible and to control the disease in the long term.

What are the risks and side effects of an IVOM injection into the eye?

The IVOM injection into the eye is a very safe routine procedure when performed by an expert. Common but harmless side effects are a small hemorrhage on the surface of the eye or a temporary foreign body sensation. The most serious, but extremely rare, complication is an infection inside the eye, which we prevent with the strictest sterile conditions in every procedure. IVOM injection into the eye minimize.

Can I drive a car after the IVOM injection in the eye?

No, you must not drive yourself on the day of treatment. Immediately after the IVOM injection into the eye the treated eye is restricted in its vision due to the bandage and ointment. Please always organize a companion for the way home or use a cab to get home safely.

What happens if I decide not to have IVOM treatment?

Without a consistent IVOM injection into the eye diseases such as wet AMD or diabetic macular oedema usually progress. This leads to increasing and often irreversible damage to the retina. The result is a severe loss of central vision, the ability to read and independence in everyday life, which we want to prevent with this therapy.

How quickly does the medication work after the injection?

The effect of a IVOM injection into the eye sets in very quickly. The first measurable improvement, such as a reduction in retinal swelling, can often be seen at the first check-up after a few days to weeks. Many patients report a stabilization or improvement in their visual impression shortly after the procedure, which demonstrates the high effectiveness of the IVOM injection into the eye underlines.

Are both eyes injected at the same time during treatment?

Yes, if necessary, both eyes can be injected in one session, as the risk of infection and complications is not increased. Each eye is treated individually as a separate procedure under hygienic conditions in the operating theater.

What do I have to consider at home after the IVOM injection into the eye?

In the first few days after the IVOM injection into the eye you should not rub the eye and avoid contact with dust or dirt. Please do not drive on the day of the operation and do not sign any contracts or go to the sauna or swimming pool. If you experience severe pain, increasing redness or a sudden deterioration in vision, you must contact us immediately to rule out complications.

Will my health insurance cover the costs of the IVOM injection into the eye?

Yes, the IVOM injection into the eye is a recognized benefit for the approved diseases and is covered by private health insurance companies. Although the medication is expensive, its effectiveness in preventing blindness is so well proven that the costs of this important sight-preserving therapy are covered.

Why is the doctor's experience with IVOM injections into the eye so important?

The implementation of a IVOM injection into the eye requires maximum precision, routine and the ability to optimally control the course of treatment. As a retina specialist, Dr. Mareen Schmidt has the necessary expertise to guarantee you the safest and most effective treatment. Her experience is the key to a successful and anxiety-free course of treatment, especially if repeated injections are necessary.

A modern and safe therapy for your eyesight

The IVOM injection into the eye has revolutionized the treatment of severe retinal diseases and gives countless patients the chance to preserve their vision and thus their quality of life. At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's practice in Frankfurt, you are in the best and most experienced hands with this diagnosis. Feel free to make an appointment for a comprehensive and personal consultation, during which we will answer all your questions at your leisure.