IVOM surgery in Frankfurt: A safe procedure to protect your vision

An IVOM operation, better known as an „eye injection“, is a highly specialized, minimally invasive procedure that plays a central role in preserving vision in modern ophthalmology. Although the term „surgery“ may sound daunting at first, in this case it primarily describes the highest standard of sterility and precision under which the treatment takes place. At our ophthalmology practice in Frankfurt Westend, Dr. Mareen Schmidt, an experienced retina specialist, has overseen the entire process of IVOM operation The treatment is optimized according to their patient-oriented 5-S method to guarantee you the safest, gentlest and, above all, least painful treatment possible.

IVOM surgery: Why the procedure is called „surgical“

The term IVOM operation is derived from the technical abbreviation „Intravitreal Operative Drug Administration“. The crucial part here is the „O“ for „Operative“. This does not mean that it involves major surgery with a scalpel and sutures. Rather, it emphasizes that the injection into the eye takes place under the same strict, sterile conditions as an operation in hospital.

This high standard of hygiene is the most important protection against the rarest but most serious complication: an infection inside the eye. One IVOM operation is therefore not a major surgical procedure, but a highly precise administration of medication under the safest possible conditions.

When is IVOM surgery the necessary therapy?

One IVOM operation is the treatment of choice for a number of severe diseases of the center of the retina (macula) that are associated with fluid accumulation (edema) or the growth of pathological, leaky blood vessels. Without this targeted treatment, these diseases would often lead to a rapid and irreversible loss of central vision.

The most common areas of application for IVOM surgery are

• Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The most common indication. Here, IVOM inhibits the growth of leaky blood vessels under the retina.
• 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.

The 5-S method: Our quality promise for your IVOM operation

Each IVOM operation in our practice follows the strict principles of our 5-S method. It is your guarantee for a treatment that combines the highest medical standards with your personal well-being.

• Safe: The IVOM operation is performed by Dr. Mareen Schmidt, an experienced retina specialist.
• Gentle: The procedure is carried out with the utmost calm, precision and sensitivity in order to make the procedure as stress-free as possible for you.
• Low pain: Thanks to intensive, multi-stage local anesthesia with highly effective eye drops and ointments, the IVOM operation not painful.
• Sterile: Uncompromising hygiene according to surgical standards minimizes the risk of infection, the most serious potential complication.
• Carefully: From comprehensive information to precise implementation and close follow-up care, every step of the IVOM operation with the utmost care.

The procedure: What to expect during your IVOM operation

The IVOM operation 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 for your safety and comfort.

1. Preparation & conversation: We will answer any final questions in a calm atmosphere. Your eye is then prepared by administering anesthetic eye drops and ointments several times.
2. Intensive anesthesia: We give the drops enough time to develop their full, pain-relieving effect until the surface of the eye is completely insensitive.
3. Disinfection & sterile draping: To ensure maximum hygiene, the eye and the surrounding skin area are carefully disinfected. You will receive a sterile drape.
4. Gentle eyelid closure: A small, gentle clamp (eyelid retractor) is used to keep the eye open during the short procedure.
5. The actual injection: Dr. Mareen Schmidt performs the injection with a wafer-thin needle into the white of the eye. This step only takes one to two seconds.
6. Final check & care: Immediately after the injection, the eye pressure is checked and the surface of the eye is gently rinsed.

IVOM surgery: your concerns and the medical reality

The idea of a IVOM operation is often worse than the reality. The following table compares common fears with the actual experience in our practice.

Your concern	The reality of IVOM surgery with our 5-S method
„I will be in unbearable pain.“	Low pain: Thanks to our intensive, multi-stage anesthesia, you will not feel the puncture. Most patients only report a brief, slight feeling of pressure.
„I have to watch the needle come in.“	Gentle: You look up at the ceiling during the entire procedure. The injection is carried out from the side so that the syringe does not appear in your central field of vision.
„I'm going to blink and ruin everything.“	Safe: A small, gentle eyelid clamp holds the eye open securely. You cannot blink accidentally. This takes the pressure off and allows you to relax.
„The operation is long and agonizing.“	Careful & safe: While the preparation and anesthesia take time, the actual injection only takes a few seconds. The entire IVOM operation is over very quickly.

 

Frequently asked questions about IVOM surgery

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

Is IVOM surgery a procedure with a scalpel?

No, with the IVOM operation no scalpels or sutures are used. The term „surgery“ refers solely to the need to perform the procedure under the strictest sterile conditions to protect your eye from infection. It is a minimally invasive injection using a wafer-thin needle.

Is IVOM surgery painful?

No, the IVOM operation is not painful thanks to our low-pain 5-S method. Thanks to the intensive local anesthesia of the eye surface with highly effective eye drops, you will not feel the injection itself. Our entire team specializes in providing you with an anxiety-free and comfortable treatment. IVOM operation which is one of our top priorities.

How long does the IVOM operation take?

While the entire appointment, including preparation and follow-up checks, takes about an hour, the crucial moment, the actual injection of the IVOM operation, only one to two seconds. Many of our patients are surprised at how quick and uncomplicated the procedure itself is. This short duration contributes significantly to the good tolerability of the treatment.

Where does the IVOM operation take place?

The IVOM operation is performed by Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt at our ultra-modern, nearby surgery location, the Westend Medical Center. This location meets the highest standards of hygiene and technical equipment. Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care then takes place in the familiar and personal atmosphere of our practice in Frankfurt's Westend.

What are the risks and complications of IVOM surgery?

The IVOM operation is a very safe routine procedure. The most common side effects are harmless, such as a small hemorrhage on the surface of the eye. The most serious but extremely rare complication is an infection inside the eye. It is precisely to prevent this rare but serious complication that the IVOM operation performed under such strict sterile conditions.

Do I need general anesthesia for the IVOM operation?

No, general anesthesia is not recommended for the IVOM operation is not necessary and is also not common. The procedure is performed exclusively under local anesthesia using eye drops. You will be awake and responsive throughout the short procedure, but will not feel any pain in the eye, which makes this procedure very safe.

How often does the IVOM operation have to be repeated?

The IVOM operation is part of a long-term therapy for a chronic disease. At the beginning, monthly injections are often necessary to quickly bring the disease under control. Subsequently, the intervals at which the IVOM operation is individually adapted to your findings in order to stabilize your vision in the long term with as few interventions as possible.

What do I need to consider after IVOM surgery?

Immediately after the IVOM operation you must not drive yourself or sign any contracts. You should not rub the eye on the day of treatment and avoid contact with tap water. If you experience severe pain or a sudden deterioration in vision, you must contact us immediately.

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

The experience of a retina specialist like Dr. Mareen Schmidt is the decisive factor for a safe and successful retina treatment. IVOM operation. Her routine ensures a fast, precise and gentle injection technique that minimizes the risk of complications. In addition, her calm and confident manner creates an atmosphere of trust, which plays a decisive role in making the process anxiety-free for you.

What exactly does the term „IVOM“ mean?

The abbreviation IVOM stands for „Intravitreal Operative Medication“. „Intravitreal“ means „into the vitreous body“. „Operative“ describes the sterile conditions. „Drug administration“ describes the injection. The IVOM operation is therefore the technically correct description for this sight-preserving procedure.

Rely on a secure and proven process

The IVOM operation is a modern and safe routine treatment that can protect your eyesight. At Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt's practice in Frankfurt, we guarantee you a procedure that is geared towards your safety and comfort. If you require IVOM therapy, please make an appointment for a comprehensive and personal consultation, during which we will answer all your questions at your leisure.