Anti-VEGF injections are the first-line treatment for centre-involving diabetic macular oedema and work by neutralising vascular endothelial growth factor, the protein responsible for the vascular leakage that accumulates as fluid in the macula. The injection involves a small amount of the anti-VEGF medication being introduced into the vitreous cavity of the eye through the sclera using a fine needle, performed under topical anaesthetic eye drops in a minor outpatient procedure that takes a few minutes. The eye is cleaned carefully beforehand to minimise infection risk, and most patients experience minimal discomfort. The treatment protocol for diabetic macular oedema typically begins with a loading phase of three to four monthly injections, after which the OCT scan at each visit guides whether the interval can be extended or whether further monthly injections are needed. Visual improvement is often seen within the first few injections and continues over the treatment course, but results depend on the severity and duration of the oedema before treatment began. At Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru, I use OCT monitoring after each injection to assess the response and adjust the schedule for each patient individually.
Written by Dr. Usha Shree, Vitreo-Retina Specialist, Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru. 12 years. 10,000+ patients. Phone: +91 96633 58193.
