Introduction
Effective and precise treatment for retinal and macular conditions
At The Retina Clinic London, we specialise in intravitreal injections, a highly effective form of treatment for a range of retinal and macular diseases. By delivering medication directly into the vitreous—the jelly-like substance inside the eye—this targeted method ensures the medication reaches the retina in optimal concentrations for maximum effectiveness. Our personalised approach combines the latest advancements in treatment with cutting-edge diagnostic technologies to achieve the best outcomes for every patient.
What Are Intravitreal Injections?
Intravitreal injections are used to manage conditions such as Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO), Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), and other inflammatory or infectious retinal diseases. By delivering medication precisely to the retina, these injections minimise side effects compared to systemic treatments.
Our team, led by Professor Paulo Stanga, uses advanced diagnostics, including high-resolution macula OCT, to assess each patient’s condition and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. This ensures all injections are administered at the right time and tailored to your specific needs.
Why Might You Need This Treatment?
If you have a retinal condition that causes fluid build-up, inflammation, bleeding, or abnormal blood vessel growth, intravitreal injections can help protect and even improve your vision.
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide the following types of injections, carefully selected based on your diagnosis:
- Anti-VEGF agents: To reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in conditions like Wet AMD or DMO.
- Steroids: To reduce inflammation and swelling in conditions like uveitis or retinal oedema.
- Antibiotics/antifungals: To rapidly treat severe infections inside the eye, such as endophthalmitis.
- Gene therapy: For inherited retinal diseases, offered through clinical trials where applicable.
Types of Intravitreal Injections
Depending on your condition, we offer several types of intravitreal injections at The Retina Clinic London:
1. Anti-VEGF Injections
Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are the most commonly used treatments for retinal conditions. These medications block VEGF, a protein responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina. We offer a full range of Anti-VEGF options, including:
- Faricimab (Vabysmo)
- Aflibercept (Eylea)
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
- Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Our consultants will guide you through the options, recommending the most suitable medication based on your condition to ensure the best possible outcome.
2. Corticosteroid Injections
Steroid injections are highly effective for reducing inflammation and swelling, particularly in conditions such as diabetic macular oedema, retinal vein occlusion, and posterior uveitis. Options include:
- Dexamethasone Implant (Ozurdex): A biodegradable implant that provides long-term control of inflammation and swelling by slowly releasing medication over several months.
- Iluvien (Fluocinolone Acetonide): A long-acting implant designed to reduce retinal swelling and inflammation, particularly in diabetic macular oedema.
- Kenalog-40® (Triamcinolone Acetonide): A corticosteroid injection used off-label to manage retinal swelling and inflammation effectively.
3. Antibiotic/Antifungal Injections
For severe eye infections, such as endophthalmitis, we administer antibiotics or antifungals directly into the vitreous to provide rapid and effective treatment.
4. Gene Therapy and Emerging Treatments
We also offer gene therapy injections for inherited retinal diseases through clinical trials. These groundbreaking treatments aim to address the underlying genetic causes of vision loss and are available depending on your specific condition.
Syfovre (Pegcetacoplan): Syfovre is an FDA-approved treatment in the United States that we import into the UK on a named-patient basis. This injectable therapy targets the complement cascade, an immune pathway involved in geographic atrophy, to help slow progression and preserve vision.
How Do I Prepare for the Injection?
At The Retina Clinic London, we ensure your experience is seamless and comfortable. To prepare for your injection:
- Inform your consultant about your medical history, including any allergies or medications (especially blood thinners).
- Avoid wearing eye makeup on the day of the injection.
- Wash your face thoroughly, especially around the eyes.
- Arrange transportation, as your vision may be temporarily blurry after the injection.
- Follow any specific pre-procedure instructions, such as using prescribed antibiotic eye drops.
What Happens on the Day of the Injection?
Your visit will include a pre-injection consultation and a thorough assessment to ensure the treatment is optimised for your condition. Here’s what to expect:
1. Pre-Injection Consultation:
- We will conduct a full visual acuity check and perform high-resolution macula OCT scans, along with other advanced imaging, to evaluate whether treatment is working, whether additional injections are needed, and to ensure optimal timing for the procedure.
- Your consultant will review your general health and recent symptoms. If you have an infection (e.g., a cold or conjunctivitis), the injection may need to be rescheduled.
2. Anaesthetic and Preparation:
- Anaesthetic drops will numb your eye, and an antiseptic solution will be applied to reduce the risk of infection.
3. The Injection:
- A fine needle is used to deliver the medication directly into the vitreous. The procedure is quick and typically painless.
4. Post-Injection Monitoring:
- After the injection, you will be monitored briefly, and our team will provide aftercare instructions, including the use of any prescribed eye drops.
Why Choose The Retina Clinic London?
At The Retina Clinic London, we take pride in providing world-class care in a compassionate, patient-focused environment. With decades of expertise and the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, we ensure every patient receives personalised, effective care.
What Sets Us Apart
- Comprehensive Pre-Injection Assessments: Every patient undergoes thorough testing, including high-resolution macula OCT, to ensure injections are timed and tailored for maximum effectiveness.
- Full Range of Medications: We offer all Anti-VEGF options, as well as long-acting steroid implants like Ozurdex and Iluvien.
- Access to Innovation: We provide cutting-edge treatments, including gene therapy via clinical trials and emerging therapies.
- World-Leading Expertise: Led by Professor Paulo Stanga, our team includes some of the most experienced retinal specialists in the UK.
- Comfort and Safety: Our state-of-the-art clinic at 24 Queen Anne Street is designed to ensure your treatment is as safe and comfortable as possible. Our team is on hand to ensure that you feel comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
If you have any questions about intravitreal injections or would like to book an appointment, contact The Retina Clinic London today. Your vision is our priority.
