IVOM therapy in Frankfurt: The modern eye injection to protect your eyesight
- Tudebon
- October 7, 2022
IVOM therapy, short for "intravitreal injection of medication," is one of the most important and vision-preserving treatments in modern ophthalmology. Better known as "eye injections," this method allows for the targeted treatment of serious 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-centered 5-S method, which is designed for maximum safety, comfort, and effectiveness.
What exactly is IVOM therapy and how does it work?
One IVOMVitreous injection therapy is a short surgical procedure in which medication is injected precisely into the vitreous humor, the gel-like core of the eyeball, using a very fine needle. This method is necessary when there are diseases in the back of the eye that cannot be reached with eye drops or tablets. IVOMVet therapy is currently 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. This seals the vessels, reduces the swelling, and stops the progression of vision loss.
IVOM therapy: For which diseases is it the decisive treatment?
The IVOMThis therapy has revolutionized the prognosis for several serious eye diseases. Without this treatment, many of these diseases would lead to a rapid and often irreversible loss of central vision.
The most common applications for intravitreal injections (IVOM) are:
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The most common indication. Here, the IVOM the growth of abnormal 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 that threaten vision.
IVOM therapy according to the 5-S method: Your guarantee for safe treatment
We understand your concerns about injections in the eye. That is why we have IVOMTreatment in our Frankfurt practice is designed according to the strict principles of our 5-S method. It is our promise to you for treatment of the highest quality and comfort.
- Safe: Each IVOM is performed by Dr. Mareen Schmidt, an experienced 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, 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 IVOMThe treatment is a short, outpatient procedure performed at our nearby, state-of-the-art surgical site at Westend Medical Center. The entire process is highly standardized and designed with your safety in mind.
- Preparation: You will receive detailed information. Before the procedure, your eye will be prepared by administering anesthetic eye drops several times until the surface is completely insensitive to pain.
- Hygiene: The eye and the surrounding skin are carefully disinfected. The entire procedure takes place under the strictest sterile conditions.
- 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.
- Aftercare: Immediately after the injection, the eye pressure and visual function are checked. The further aftercare of your IVOM-Treatment then takes place again in the familiar atmosphere of our practice.
IVOM therapy compared: The most important medications
For the IVOMSeveral highly effective medications are available for this therapy. Choosing the right medication is an individual decision that Dr. Mareen Schmidt will make together with you.
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. |

Frequently asked questions about IVOM therapy (intraocular injection)
Here you will find answers to common questions that patients ask us about treatment with a IVOM in our Frankfurt practice.
Is IVOM painful?
No, the IVOM 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-to enable treatment, which is one of our top priorities.
How often must the IVOM be repeated?
Treatment with a IVOM 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?
The IVOM 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-Minimize treatment.
Can I drive after the IVOM?
No, you must not drive yourself on the day of treatment. Immediately after the IVOM The treated eye's vision is impaired due to the pupil dilation. Please always arrange for someone to accompany you home or take a taxi to ensure your safety.
What happens if I decide not to have IVOM treatment?
Without a consistent IVOMWithout treatment, diseases such as wet AMD or diabetic macular edema usually progress. This leads to increasing and often irreversible damage to the retina. The result is a severe loss of central vision, reading ability, and independence in daily life, which we aim to prevent with therapy.
How quickly does the medication work after the injection?
The effect of a IVOM 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-Therapy emphasizes.
Are both eyes injected at the same time during treatment?
Yes. Binocular treatment does not carry a higher risk of surgery or complications, as we treat each eye as two separate procedures. If you wish, we can treat both eyes on the same day.
What do I need to be aware of at home after IVOM?
In the first few days after the IVOM You should avoid rubbing your eye and prevent contact with dust or dirt. Please do not drive, sign any contracts, or go to the swimming pool or sauna on the day of your surgery. If you experience severe pain, increasing redness, or a sudden deterioration in your vision, please contact us immediately to rule out any complications.
Will my health insurance cover the costs of IVOM?
Yes, the IVOM is a recognized benefit for the approved diseases and is 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.
Why is the doctor's experience in IVOM so important?
The implementation of a IVOM This requires the utmost precision, routine, and the ability to optimally manage the course of therapy. As a retinal specialist, Dr. Mareen Schmidt possesses the necessary expertise to guarantee you the safest and most effective treatment. Her experience is the key to a successful and anxiety-free treatment process, especially in cases of recurrent retinopathy. IVOMInjections are necessary.
A modern and safe therapy for your eyesight
The IVOMThis therapy has revolutionized the treatment 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.

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Dr. med. Sebastian Schmidt-
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