Intravitreal injections (Ailiya injection in the eye)
Intravitreal injections
Table of contents
Maculodystrophy
Macular dystrophy is a lesion in the central part of the retina. It most often leads to a decrease or loss of central vision. The affected eye can see the world, but cannot see faces, letters, and objects. A spot covers the objects which the eye is focused on.
The changes develop gradually. At first, brightness and color saturation may decrease. Small fragments in the image may disappear. Over time, the image in the center of the field of vision dims, distortion appears. Gradually, the ability to see in front of oneself is lost. Only peripheral vision remains. Servicing oneself in this situation is extremely problematic.
The main cause of this kind of problem is vascular disease. Vessels are affected all over the body. The strain on them in the eye is very high. The price of their failure or damage can be blindness.
Age-related maculodystrophy (AMD), diabetes, circulatory disorders, damage to the central part of the retina caused by severe myopia, are the most frequent causes of visual impairment and disability. The triggers for these diseases are different, but the outcome may be the same – the death of the central part of the retina which is responsible for visual acuity. The retina may dry out or swell, or be replaced by a scar in the case of hemorrhage.
In any of these cases, the lack of blood flow to the retina leads to ischemia (oxygen deficiency). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases in the tissue. It is this factor that stimulates the increased permeability of normal vessels and the growth of new ones. The more edema, the more waste, toxic products accumulate in the retina. The newly formed vessels are very weak and often burst. In addition, they further deform the fine structure of the macula.
Duration
The time from the beginning of the disease to the terminal stage can vary greatly and can last from a few months (lightning-fast) to many years (sluggish).
Up to some stage, the processes may be reversible. Often the process can be stopped. But when a retinal scar or an extensive ischemic edema has formed, treatment is currently ineffective.
Anti-VEGF therapy
A modern and effective way to treat the aforementioned diseases is anti-VEGF therapy.
In the Republic of Belarus the drugs Eilea and Lucentis are approved for use in ophthalmology. The drug is injected directly into the eye under operating room conditions (intravitreal injection).
Contraindications:
– Hypersensitivity to the drug or any other component of the drug;
– active or suspected intra- or periocular infection;
– active severe intraocular inflammation;
– Pregnancy and breast-feeding;
– under 18 years of age.
The course of treatment always begins with three injections at an interval of one month (five injections for DME). Subsequently, for complete stabilization of the process, treatment is continued at longer intervals.
The main diagnostic criterion for prescribing anti-VEGF therapy is the presence of retinal edema according to OCT (optical coherence tomography). Our center uses spectral OCT. Angio-OCT is performed when needed.
Treatment of common diseases (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc.) should not be interrupted! Check your blood pressure the evening before and the morning of the procedure. There is no need to change your diet.
Prevention
Prophylaxis of age-related maculodystrophy is control of blood pressure, weight, giving up smoking. It is essential to follow the recommendations of your general practitioner. It is useful to protect your eyes from bright sun with protective sunglasses with a UV filter. The risk group is people over 50 years of age.
Lesions of the center of the retina in people with diabetes mellitus – diabetic macular edema (DME). The worse the sugar and blood pressure are compensated, the greater the risks of retinal, kidney, and foot damage (diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic foot). Approximately one-third of patients have diabetic retinopathy. One-third of them develop DME. And in one third of them, macular edema has a prolonged character.
The disturbance of blood circulation in the retina, or retinal vein thrombosis, is a consequence of common vascular problems. First of all, hypertension. It is a kind of infarction in the eye. When the macula is affected, only timely treatment can guarantee success.
High degree myopia (MVS) requires elimination of any high overload. Physical, visual, and psycho-emotional. Heavy physical work, work with prolonged bending over the legs, concussions, and blows are extremely undesirable. Formation of pathological vessels in the macula if left untreated leads to formation of a scar (Fuchs’s spot) and irreversible loss of central vision.
ΠΡΠ΄Π³ΡΠΊΠΈ ΠΏΠ°ΡΡΡΠ½ΡΡΠ²
British Ophthalmological Center
Lomako Iryna Pavlivna
Laser vision correction
I would like to express my deep gratitude to all the employees of the British Ophthalmological Center for their kindness and good attitude towards patients. I especially want to thank Lesa Vladimirovna and her assistants who took part in the operational process. Thank you for returning my vision and the opportunity to see all the beautiful things around us.
Khomenko Anna Andriyivna
Laser vision correction
Thank you to the doctors and medical staff of the "British Ophthalmology Center" for making my most cherished dream come true. All medical personnel treat patients with care and tenderness. The day of the operation was a very serious and morally difficult event, but thanks to the support of the doctors, nurses and administrators of the facility, everything went smoothly with a clear mind and cool thoughts. Thank you to the woman who held my hand while doing the laser correction, it was really cool, it was just what I needed then, at that moment, just support. Everything is professional, comfortable and at the highest level! Thank you very much again!
Perepelytsya Valentyna Stepanivna
Refractive lensectomy
I, Perepelytsia Valentyna Stepanivna, would like to express my deep gratitude to the British Eye Center for the high level of professionalism, attentive attitude to patients and modern approach to treatment.
The staff is very polite, the girls are like angels, you feel warmth and support during your stay in the clinic.
I especially want to thank Dr. Zhuk A.M. for his professionalism and attentiveness.
On February 05, 2025, I underwent a lens replacement surgery and the next day I could see the world.
I recommend this ophthalmologic center to everyone who is looking for reliable specialists and wants to get quality treatment!
Frequently Asked Questions:
It is an intravitreal injection of the drug aflibercept, administered directly into the eye, specifically into the vitreous body. This injection is used to treat retinal diseases associated with abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion.
The main goal is to stop the pathological growth of new blood vessels and reduce retinal swelling, which helps stabilize and improve vision.
The total number of injections depends on the type of disease and is determined by the doctor individually for each patient. Injections are typically administered once a month during the first three to four months, following the treatment protocol.
Intravitreal injection is carried out in an operating room under a microscope in sterile conditions. The procedure does not require general anesthesia but is performed under local anesthesia, achieved by multiple instillations of anesthetic eye drops before the procedure. The injection itself is almost painless and takes just a few seconds. For several days after the injection, antibacterial drops must be used.
The βEyleaβ injection is administered after instilling anesthetic eye drops. Typically, the patient does not feel pain during the injection. Mild burning may occur once the anesthetic effect wears off. Individual sensitivity also plays a role.
Eylea can improve visual acuity, especially if treatment begins promptly. However, in some cases, the primary goal is to stabilize vision and prevent further deterioration. It is crucial to follow the doctorβs recommendations and attend regular check-ups for the best outcomes.
Yes, flying is permitted as Eylea does not contain gas fillers. However, it is recommended to consult with your doctor regarding travel and physical activity after the procedure.
In the first few days after the injection, avoid heavy physical exertion to reduce the risk of increased intraocular pressure. Do not touch your eye for several days to avoid infection and irritation. Refrain from visiting pools, saunas, or taking baths during the first week after the injection to minimize the risk of infection.
