Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and Intravitreal injections

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years of age. It is caused by the breakdown of the central portion of the retina (the nerve layer part of your eye) called the macula. The macula is responsible for the fine central vision in the eye that is needed for driving a car, reading fine print, recognising faces, etc. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. In the “wet” form of ARMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye. Sometimes these vessels leak blood or fluid that causes blurred or distorted vision.

There are other similar eye conditions that cause loss of central vision due to abnormal growth of blood vessels in the back of the eye. These can also occur in young patients and include conditions such as high myopia (near-sightedness), Diabetes, stroke at the back of the eye or injury. Sometimes there is no known reason for the abnormal blood vessels. Without effective treatment, vision loss may be rapid and severe.

How is the treatment given?

Intravitreal injections are given by our eye specialists. The drug is injected into the vitreous gel, which is the jelly-like substance in the back chamber of the eye.

• This is a sterile procedure that is administered in our theatre.
• Local anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye.
• You should experience minimal or no pain after the procedure.
• This injection may have to be repeated at regular intervals.
• Our specialists will advise you of required / suitable treatment.

There are different drugs used to treat these conditions on the macula such as Bevacizumab (Avastin), Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Aflibercept (Eylea),  Brolucizumab (VisQQ), and Faricimab.

Your doctor will advise which is most appropriate for you.

In many cases these drugs improve vision, but in others the aim of the treatment is to prevent further loss of vision.