AMD eye injection: The modern therapy for wet macular degeneration

The intravitreal injection of anti-AMD (IVOM) is the most important and effective treatment method for preserving vision in the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. For many sufferers, a diagnosis of wet 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 treatment.

Wet AMD: Why an eye injection becomes necessary

To address the need for AMD eye injection To understand wet macular degeneration, 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.¹

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.²
• 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 AMD eye injection – How the therapy works: The VEGF principle

Modern therapy with AMD eye injections This addresses the root cause of the problem. The main culprit behind abnormal blood vessel growth is a naturally occurring messenger substance called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor).³ The drugs injected during IVOM therapy (e.g., ranibizumab, aflibercept) are so-called VEGF inhibitors.⁴ 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 AMD eye injection It not only stops the deterioration, but also gives the retina a chance to recover and stabilize eyesight.

Dry vs. Wet AMD: Why eye injections only help with one form

It is crucial to understand that treatment with AMD eye injections 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.

AMD eye injections using our 5-S method: Your guarantee for safe 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 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 using highly effective eye drops and gels, 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 AMD and eye injections

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions that we patients have about therapy with the AMD eye injection 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 AMD eye injection 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 AMD eye injections 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 AMD eye injections 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 from a drop of blood under the conjunctiva or a temporary foreign body sensation due to disinfection. The most serious, but extremely rare, complication is an infection inside the eye. This is minimized by our strict sterile procedures during the procedure. AMD eye injection This risk is reduced to an absolute minimum.

Can my eyesight improve again?

The main goal of therapy with AMD eye injections 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: AMD eye injections 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, please rest and avoid rubbing your eye. Since your pupil will be dilated, please refrain from driving, signing contracts, or playing sports. If you experience severe pain, increasing redness, or a sudden decrease in vision, please contact us immediately. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled with you two to four days after the injection.

Will my health insurance cover the costs of the treatment?

Yes, the treatment of wet AMD with approved medications is an evidence-based service recognized by the German Medical Association and health insurance companies. The costs for the AMD eye injections are usually fully covered by private health insurance.

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), difficulty recognizing faces, or problems with reading or close work. Regularly test yourself with an Amsler grid: Look at the grid with one eye and check if the lines are straight.⁵ A quick start to therapy with AMD eye injections is crucial for the success of the treatment and the preservation of eyesight.⁶

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

The correct diagnosis, planning and execution of AMD eye injections This requires the utmost precision and expertise. Managing the treatment intervals demands extensive experience to achieve optimal treatment success. As a retinal specialist with years of experience as a senior physician at the Clinic for Retinal Diseases in Frankfurt, Dr. Mareen Schmidt possesses the necessary expertise to guarantee you the safest and most effective treatment.

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. AMD eye injections an excellent way to preserve your eyesight and thus your quality of life.⁷ 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.