IVOM – this abbreviation stands for Intravitreal Operative Medication Administration. So the IVOM injection is used when we administer certain medications. Under local anesthesia, a cannula is inserted into the vitreous body of the eye in a minimally invasive manner – that is, with the least possible effort and a very small puncture. We can then administer the medication through the cannula. In the case of chronic diseases, an implant can also be inserted into the eye, which continuously delivers medicinal agents.
An IVOM injection is administered on an outpatient basis at our office. To avoid infections, this is of course done under sterile conditions. Before the injection, the entire eye area is disinfected to prevent inflammation.
The treatment is mostly used for a so-called wet macular degeneration. Other possible applications are the so-called diabetic macular edema, venous occlusion or “myopic choroidal neovascularization” (CVN). Furthermore, IVOM treatment is used in the development of CNV in the setting of CCS (choriorethinopatia centralis serosa). The disease is chronic and usually requires long-term treatment – often for years. During the first three months of treatment, IVOM injections are given monthly, while we continuously monitor the course of the disease very thoroughly. If further injections with IVOM are then necessary, a further therapy plan is drawn up and the injections are administered at the individually required intervals. A minimum interval of four weeks between treatments is mandatory.
Please come to the treatment with comfortable clothes and without make-up. After a brief preliminary examination and hygienic preparation for surgery, you will have anesthetic eye drops instilled into your eye. This prepares the eye well for the IVOM injection, which is usually almost painless. You will then receive an eye bandage.
Because the IVOM injection is an outpatient procedure, you may be accompanied home after the procedure by another person. We ask that you do not drive alone and prefer to be picked up. The eye dressing can be removed after approximately three hours. Patients report that sometimes their vision is a little blurry at first. This is normal and no cause for concern. It may take a few hours before you can see clearly again. Pain is almost non-existent after IVOM injection. If you do, please contact us.
Approximately three days after the procedure, we will see you again in our office for a follow-up examination. What is important for your individual course of disease, such as eye drops, further medication) we clarify in an individual conversation. Further follow-up is then usually advisable approximately four weeks after the last IVOM injection. Findings are made by OCT, and the condition of the macula is thoroughly checked. We pay particular attention to whether the findings are dry or whether fluid deposits are still present. If the latter is the case, IVOM therapy should be continued.
Of course, we at BeyondEye are always here to answer your questions about macular disease. Feel free to contact us if you would like more information about IVOM treatment of the various macular diseases.
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