IVOM injection in Frankfurt: The modern eye injection to protect your retina

An IVOM injection, the technical abbreviation for „intravitreal surgical drug injection“, is one of the most important and sight-preserving treatments in modern ophthalmology. Better known as an „eye injection“, this method enables the targeted treatment of severe diseases of the retina and macula directly at the site of the disease. 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-oriented 5-S method, which is designed for maximum safety, comfort and effectiveness.

When is an IVOM injection the decisive treatment?

One IVOM injection is always the treatment of choice when pathological processes inside the eye, in the retina or macula, threaten vision. Today, it is the gold standard for the treatment of diseases in which pathological blood vessels grow or leak and lead to swelling of the center of the retina (macular edema). Without such targeted treatment, these diseases would often lead to a rapid and irreversible loss of central vision.

The most common areas of application for IVOM injections are

• Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The most common indication for stopping the growth of diseased blood vessels under the retina.
• Diabetic macular edema (DME): A serious complication of diabetes in the eye that causes chronic swelling of the macula.
• 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.

The IVOM injection and its effect: the VEGF principle

The IVOM injection In most cases, the medications used are so-called VEGF inhibitors. They block a specific growth factor in the eye, the „vascular endothelial growth factor“ (VEGF). This messenger substance is mainly responsible for the growth of leaky, diseased blood vessels, which lead to swelling and damage to the macula. By neutralizing this messenger substance, the vessels are sealed again, the swelling is reduced and the process of visual deterioration is halted. The IVOM injection brings the active ingredient directly to the place where it is needed.

Your IVOM injection in Frankfurt: The procedure according to the 5-S method

The entire process of your IVOM injection is carefully planned and performed by us to provide you with an anxiety and pain-free experience. The procedure itself takes place at our nearby state-of-the-art surgical facility at Westend Medical Center and only takes a few minutes.

1. Preparation (Careful & Gentle): You will receive detailed information. Before the procedure, your eye will be prepared by administering highly effective anesthetic eye drops several times until the surface is completely numb.
2. Hygiene (sterile): The eye and surrounding skin are carefully disinfected. The entire procedure takes place under the strictest sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection.
3. The injection (painless & safe): 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 is checked and the eye is lightly rinsed. The further aftercare of your IVOM injection will then take place again in the familiar atmosphere of our practice.

The IVOM injection: a comparison of the most common drugs

For the IVOM injection various highly effective medications are available. The choice of the right medication is an individual decision that Dr. Mareen Schmidt will make together with you, depending on your specific illness and the course it has taken so far.

Drug (example)	Mechanism of action / special feature	Typical areas of application
Lucentis® (ranibizumab)	Blockade of VEGF-A. Many years of proven experience.	Wet AMD, DME, vein occlusion.
Eylea® (Aflibercept)	„VEGF trap“, binds VEGF-A and PlGF. Potentially longer action intervals.	Wet AMD, DME, vein occlusion.
Vabysmo® (faricimab)	Dual blockade of VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2, latest generation.	Wet AMD, DME.
Ozurdex® (dexamethasone)	Cortisone depot implant. Strong anti-inflammatory effect for months.	Uveitis, venous occlusion, refractory DME.

The IVOM injection: preparation and behavior afterwards

Good preparation and the right aftercare are crucial for the success and safety of every IVOM injection. We provide you with clear and understandable instructions.

Before the injection:

• Take all your regular medication as usual. Also blood thinners.
• Plan for someone to accompany you on the way home, as you are not allowed to drive yourself.
• Come to your appointment relaxed and without time pressure.

After the injection:

• Do not rub or press the treated eye.
• Avoid contact of the eye with tap water, dust or dirt on the day of treatment.
• Please do not drive, do not sign any contracts. Your pupils are dilated.
• Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, increasing redness or a sudden deterioration in vision.

Frequently asked questions about IVOM injections

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

Is the IVOM injection painful?

No, the IVOM injection 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 which is one of our top priorities.

How often does the IVOM injection have to be repeated?

Treatment with a IVOM injection 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?

The IVOM injection 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 minimize.

Can I drive after the IVOM injection?

No, you must not drive yourself on the day of treatment. Immediately after the IVOM injection the treated eye is limited in its vision due to pupil dilation. 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 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 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 underlines.

Are both eyes injected at the same time during treatment?

Yes, treatment of both eyes does not involve an increased risk of infection or complications, as we treat both eyes as separate procedures. If you wish, we can treat both eyes in one day.

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

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

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

Yes, the IVOM injection is a recognized benefit for the approved diseases and is generally 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, so you don't need to worry.

Why is the doctor's experience in IVOM injections so important?

The implementation of a IVOM injection 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 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.