IVOM Duration: An easy-to-understand guide for your treatment planning

The duration of IVOM (intravitreal injection) is one of the most important and understandable questions for patients facing the need for an eye injection. The prospect of potentially long-term treatment understandably raises concerns. At our ophthalmology practice in Frankfurt Westend, under the direction of Dr. Mareen Schmidt, we are particularly committed to explaining to you transparently, honestly, and in a way that is easy to understand. We want to show you that the IVOM duration is not a rigid scheme, but a highly individualized and flexible process that we design together with you.

Understanding the duration of IVOM: Why is long-term treatment often necessary?

The diseases that require IVOM therapy - such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular oedema - are chronic in nature. They can be compared to other chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The drugs that we inject into the eye can suppress the pathological processes (such as the growth of leaky blood vessels) very effectively for a certain period of time, but they do not cure the underlying predisposition. If the effect of the medication wears off, the disease can become active again. The IVOM duration is therefore in most cases a long-term management strategy with the aim of keeping the disease permanently in an inactive, „dry“ state and thus protecting your vision.

The phases of IVOM therapy and their respective durations

The IVOM duration It is not a monolithic block, but rather divided into different phases with varying goals and treatment intervals. This stepwise approach allows for a highly individualized treatment tailored to your personal disease progression.

1. The saturation phase: The intensive start

At the beginning of treatment, the aim is to suppress the disease activity quickly and effectively and to remove the fluid stored in the retina as quickly as possible. In this phase, often referred to as the „loading dose“, the treatment intervals are the shortest. Typically, you will receive the first three injections at fixed monthly intervals.

2. The maintenance phase and the „treat and extend“ scheme

Once the retina is "dry," the maintenance phase begins. The goal here is to maintain this stable condition with as few injections as possible. We use the modern "Treat and Extend" (T&E) protocol for this. This means you receive an injection at each follow-up appointment, and if the condition remains stable, the interval between appointments is gradually extended (e.g., from 6 to 8 weeks, then to 10 weeks, etc.). This allows us to determine your individual, maximum treatment outcome. IVOM duration determined between the syringes.

3. The pause phase: A possible goal

In some patients, the disease can go into an inactive phase after a longer period of treatment. In such cases, a break in treatment can be taken in close consultation with you. However, this does not mean the end of treatment, but requires regular check-ups in order to detect a flare-up of the disease at an early stage.

The phases of IVOM treatment at a glance

The duration of IVOM in various diseases: Individual courses

The expected IVOM duration It also depends on the underlying disease and can vary greatly in its course.

• Moist AMD: As this is a chronic, progressive disease, in most cases lifelong monitoring and often very long-term treatment is necessary to maintain vision.
• Diabetic macular edema: The IVOM duration is closely linked to the control of blood sugar and blood pressure. Excellent metabolic control can have a positive influence on the necessity and frequency of injections.
• Macular edema after vein occlusion: Here the prognosis can be more variable. In some cases, the situation can stabilize after an initial treatment phase, so that the IVOM duration may be limited. However, this is not the rule.

Actively influencing the duration of IVOM therapy: Your role as a patient

Even if you cannot cure the underlying disease, you have a decisive influence on the success and the IVOM therapy Duration. Your active cooperation is the key to success.

• Adherence to therapy: The most important factor is consistent adherence to the agreed check-up and treatment appointments. Every missed or arbitrarily postponed injection gives the disease the chance to become active again and cause lasting damage.
• Self-control: Check your vision regularly with an Amsler grid. If you notice any new distortions, contact us immediately, even before your next regular appointment.
• Management of concomitant diseases: Good blood pressure and blood sugar control is essential for diabetes and venous occlusion.
• Healthy lifestyle: Stopping smoking and eating an eye-healthy diet can also support the health of your macula.

Frequently asked questions about IVOM therapy Duration

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

Do I really have to have the eye injections all my life?

Chronic diseases such as wet AMD require lifelong monitoring and often very long-term treatment to keep the disease in check. The good news is that the IVOM duration The time between individual injections can often be significantly extended thanks to modern medications and treatment strategies, which reduces the burden on you and increases your quality of life.

How long does a single appointment for IVOM therapy take?

Although the injection itself only takes a few seconds, you should allow about an hour for the entire appointment, including preparation, anesthesia, procedure and brief follow-up. This meticulous approach is part of our 5-S method and is designed for your safety and comfort, regardless of the overall duration of the procedure. IVOM therapy Duration. Our goal is to make every appointment as pleasant as possible.

What happens if I miss or postpone an appointment?

A missed appointment can be dangerous, as the effect of the medication wears off and the disease can become active again. This can lead to renewed vision loss, which may no longer be fully reversible. Keeping the appointments is the most important factor for a successful IVOM therapy Duration and the preservation of your eyesight.

Is it possible to take a break from IVOM therapy, for example for a vacation?

Yes, a planned break is possible in consultation with us. If your condition is stable, we can schedule the next appointment to fit your vacation plans. It's important that this is always done in consultation with us and not unilaterally, to avoid any risks and ensure a successful outcome. IVOM therapy Duration not to jeopardize the future.

Does IVOM therapy duration change with newer drugs?

Yes, that is one of the main goals of current research in ophthalmology. Newer medications have the potential to maintain their effect in the eye for longer. This can lead to the IVOM duration The interval between injections can be extended to up to four months or even longer, which is a significant relief for many patients.

Does the long duration of IVOM therapy have negative effects on my eye?

IVOM therapy has proven to be a very safe procedure over many years. The most common side effects are related to the procedure and are not dependent on the medication itself. With a very long IVOM therapy Duration In some cases, cataracts may develop more quickly or the eye pressure may rise slightly. Both are closely monitored by us and are easily treatable.

How is it decided whether the interval can be extended?

We make this decision at every appointment on the basis of a high-resolution tomographic image of your retina (OCT). As long as the macula is completely „dry“ in the OCT, i.e. free of fluid, we can make the IVOM duration The interval will be gradually extended until the next appointment. If fluid reappears, the interval will be shortened to quickly bring the disease back under control.

What exactly does the „Treat and Extend“ scheme mean?

„"Treat and Extend" (T&E) is the modern, individualized treatment strategy we use. Instead of rigid monthly injections, treatment is administered at each appointment ("Treat"), and if the condition remains stable, the interval between appointments is extended ("Extend"). This allows us to determine the longest possible treatment duration for you personally. IVOM duration between the injections, which optimally tailors the treatment to you.

How long does the initial „saturation phase“ last?

The loading phase, in which the disease is to be brought under control quickly, usually consists of the first three injections. These are administered at monthly intervals. The entire loading phase of the IVOM therapy therefore has a Duration of about two months, before moving into the more flexible maintenance phase.

Is there a chance that I won't need any more injections at some point?

Yes, this is a possibility for some patients. In some cases, after a long, stable phase, the disease can transition into a "scarred" or inactive state where no further treatment is necessary. The goal of the entire IVOM therapy Duration The goal is to achieve this stable final state with the best possible vision and to end the treatment if possible.

A path we walk together

The IVOM therapy Duration is a long-term commitment that you do not have to make alone. At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's practice, we see ourselves as your reliable partner on this journey. With our expertise, careful methodology and open communication, we will make your treatment as safe and as comfortable as possible. Make an appointment for a comprehensive consultation to discuss your personal treatment plan.