IVOM treatment in Frankfurt: Modern therapy to protect your retina

An IVOM treatment, technically called "intravitreal operative drug injection" and colloquially "eye injection", is one of the most important and effective therapies in modern ophthalmology for preserving your eyesight.¹ It enables the targeted treatment of serious diseases of the retina and macula directly at the site of the event.² In our ophthalmology practice in Frankfurt Westend, Dr. Mareen Schmidt, an experienced retinal specialist, focuses on the IVOM treatment to be carried out according to their patient-oriented 5-S method, which is designed for maximum safety, comfort and effectiveness.

 

What is an IVOM treatment and when is it necessary?

One IVOM treatment is a short, minimally invasive procedure in which a drug is injected precisely into the vitreous humor, the gel-like core of the eyeball, using a very thin needle.³ This method is necessary when there are diseases in the back of the eye that cannot be reached with eye drops or tablets. IVOM treatment Today, this is the gold standard for treating diseases in which abnormal blood vessels grow or leak, leading to swelling of the central retina (macular edema). The injected medications, usually so-called VEGF inhibitors, block a specific growth factor in the eye that is responsible for these pathological processes.⁴ This seals the blood vessels again, reduces swelling, and stops the process of vision deterioration.

The most common applications for IVOM treatment 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.

 

IVOM treatment according to the 5-S method: Our promise for your safety

We understand your concerns about injections in the eye. That is why we have IVOM treatment 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 treatment The procedure is performed by Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt, an experienced senior physician and 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 process of your IVOM treatment: explained step by step

One IVOM treatment is a short, outpatient procedure that takes place at our nearby, state-of-the-art surgical facility at Westend Medical Center.⁵ 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 numbing eye drops and ointments several times until the surface is completely insensitive to pain.⁶
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: The eye pressure is checked immediately after the injection. The further aftercare of your IVOM treatment will then take place again in the familiar atmosphere of our practice.

 

IVOM treatment 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.

Disease	Pathological process in the eye	Main goal of IVOM treatment
Moist AMD	Growth of new, leaky blood vessels under the macula.	Stopping the growth of blood vessels, drying out the retina, maintaining central vision.
Diabetic macular edema	Leaking blood vessels due to sugar damage, chronic inflammation.	Sealing of the vessels, reduction of swelling, stabilization or improvement of vision.
Vein occlusion	Blood congestion and lack of oxygen lead to massive swelling.	Rapid reduction of macular edema, prevention of secondary damage.

Frequently asked questions about IVOM treatment

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

Is IVOM treatment painful?

No, the IVOM treatment Thanks to our low-pain 5-S method, it is not painful.⁷ Thanks to the intensive local anesthetic applied to the surface of the eye, you won't feel the injection itself, at most a brief, slight sensation of pressure. Our entire team is specialized in providing you with a stress-free and comfortable experience. IVOM treatment which is one of our top priorities.

How often does the IVOM treatment need to be repeated?

The IVOM treatment 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 IVOM treatment?

The IVOM treatment 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 treatment minimize.

Can I drive after IVOM treatment?

No, you must not drive yourself on the day of treatment. Immediately after the IVOM treatment The treated eye is restricted due to the pupil dilation and disinfectant. Please always arrange for someone to accompany you home or take a taxi to ensure your safety.

What happens if I refuse IVOM treatment?

Without a consistent IVOM treatment 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 treatment 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 treatment underlines.

Are both eyes injected at the same time during treatment?

Ja) Bilateral treatment does not pose an increased surgical risk, even in large-scale studies, as we consider each eye to be a completely separate procedure. The 5S method also serves to minimize the already very low risk of infection during the procedure. IVOM-Therapy.

What do I need to be aware of at home after IVOM treatment?

In the first few days after the IVOM treatment You should avoid rubbing your eye and prevent contact with dust or dirt. If you experience severe pain, increasing redness, or a sudden deterioration in vision, please contact us immediately to rule out any complications.

Will my health insurance cover the costs of IVOM treatment?

Yes, the IVOM treatment For approved conditions, this treatment is a recognized benefit and is generally covered by private health insurance. While the medications are expensive, their effectiveness in preventing blindness is so well-documented that the costs of this important vision-preserving therapy are covered, so you don't need to worry.

Why is the doctor's experience so important during IVOM treatment?

The implementation of a IVOM treatment 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 treatment This treatment has revolutionized the therapy of severe retinal diseases, giving countless patients the chance to preserve their eyesight 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. Please feel free to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive and personal consultation, during which we will answer all your questions at your leisure.