Intravitreal injection of drugs is a modern procedure for delivering drugs directly to the internal structures of the eye using an injection microscope.
This method of drug administration assumes their greater digestibility (up to 50%) compared to traditional drops, when instilled, the effects reach only 5-7% of the substances. Most often, when performing intravitreal injections, Anti-VEGF drugs and hormonal implants are used.
Anti-VEGF drugs
VEGF is an abbreviation for a substance that promotes the growth of the endothelium (the inner layer of blood vessels). Normally present in the body, it is necessary for wound healing, fetal growth, and increased tissue permeability.
In pathological conditions accompanied by insufficient blood supply with the development of ischemia, VEGF is released. Excess leads to excessive growth of blood vessels, their thickening, edema of surrounding tissues, dysfunction at the cellular level, which further aggravates the course of the underlying disease. Often there is a decrease in blood supply to the retina, loss of its functions, deterioration of vision and color perception.
Risk factors
Diseases and conditions accompanied by an increase in the level of endothelial growth factor in the eye area:
- Diabetes.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Head injuries, face.
- Operative interventions.
Why inject Anti-VEGF drugs?
The introduction of Anti-VEGF drugs leads to blocking of receptors that become immune to the effects of vascular epithelial growth factor. Manipulation has two functions:
- Therapeutic. The growth of newly formed vessels stops, while the circulatory system of the eye, primarily the retina, maintains full functioning. Edema also decreases, the work of cells is restored.
- Preventive. Medicines prevent the development of complications in the future.
For intravitreal administration for the purpose of drug action on the retina, drugs such as anibizumab and bevacizumab are most often used, since they are officially approved for these purposes and have shown all their effectiveness. The frequency and frequency of procedures is set by the doctor in each case separately, both a single intervention and a course of procedures are possible, for example, once a month for six months.
