Intravitreal injection

Direct injection of medication into the vitreous (the eye's gel-like substance) is used to treat vascular and inflammatory diseases of the retina and macula. Common injectable drugs include anti-VEGF agents (such as Avastin, Eylea) to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and retinal edema, and corticosteroids (such as triamcinolone, Ozurdex) to suppress and control inflammation.

Surgery

Before procedure

Fasting is usually not required for performing intravitreal injections. Immediately prior to the injection, a generous amount of topical anesthetic and antiseptic (Betadine) drops are applied to minimize the risk of intraocular infection.

After procedure

The ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several days following the injection. The patient must avoid rubbing the eye. Small spots of medication or blood may be seen floating in the visual field, which typically absorb over time. Generally, the patient can quickly resume normal daily activities.

Complication and alarm signs

Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection) is a significant complication characterized by severe pain, sudden vision loss, progressive redness, and discharge, requiring emergency medical attention. A sudden increase in floaters, seeing flashes of light, or shadows (curtains) may indicate a serious condition such as retinal detachment or hemorrhage. Increased intraocular pressure may also occur.

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Laser

Retinal PDT

PDT is a two-step treatment primarily used for certain types of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). First, a light-activated drug called verteporfin is infused into a vein in your arm over about 10 minutes. Second, about 15 minutes after the infusion starts, your doctor will shine a non-thermal ("cold") red laser directly onto the leaky blood vessels in your macula for some seconds. The laser activates the drug only in that precise area, causing the abnormal vessels to seal without damaging the overlying retina. The laser itself is not hot and is not felt by the patient.

Laser

Retinal BL

A Barrier Laser is used to treat retinal tears, holes, or areas of significant thinning to prevent retinal detachment. After dilating and numbing your eye, your doctor will place a contact lens. The laser is applied in a pattern of small burns that surround the tear or weak area. These burns create gentle scar tissue that "spot-welds" or "fences off" the problem area, sealing it to the back wall of the eye and preventing fluid from getting underneath to cause a detachment. The procedure typically takes 5-15 minutes. You will see bright flashes and may feel a slight pulsing sensation.

Surgery

Silicone Oil Removal

Silicone oil is a substance injected into the eye at the end of certain complex vitrectomy surgeries (usually for difficult retinal detachments) to hold the retina in place for an extended period. After the retina has fully stabilized (typically several months to a year later), this oil must be removed in a second surgery because over time it can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataract, or corneal opacity.

Surgery

Ptosis Surgery

Ptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid, which can be congenital or acquired (e.g., due to aging, eyelid trauma, or neuromuscular disorders). In severe cases, this drooping can restrict the superior visual field, cause eye fatigue, or be cosmetically bothersome. Surgery aims to elevate the eyelid to an appropriate level and achieve symmetry with the contralateral eye.

Surgery

Strabismus Surgery

This surgery is performed to correct strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). In strabismus, due to an imbalance in the function of the extraocular muscles, the visual axes of the two eyes are not aligned. This can cause diplopia (double vision), amblyopia (lazy eye), and cosmetic and social problems. The surgery aims to restore eye coordination and alignment by strengthening, weakening, or repositioning one or more of the eye muscles.

Surgery

Phaco with PCIOL

This is the standard treatment method for cataract. In cataract, the eye's natural clear lens gradually becomes cloudy, like a fogged-up window, blurring vision, fading colors, and making night vision difficult. Phaco surgery involves making a small incision in the cornea, breaking up and removing the clouded lens using ultrasound waves, and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (IOL).