Retinal edema in the central area (macular edema) leads to a significant decrease in visual acuity. The reasons for it are diverse. The most common are age-related macular degeneration, diabetes mellitus, and retinal vascular thrombosis.
Previously, conservative therapy was considered the only possible way to treat (in fact, slow down the progression of) this vision-threatening disease.
The EMC Ophthalmological Clinic uses effective surgical injection methods of treatment, which consist in injecting a medicinal substance into the eye into the vitreous body. After such an injection, a high concentration of the active substance is created in the area of retinal edema, significantly reducing the risk of common adverse reactions.
Currently, the effectiveness of two drugs for the treatment of macular edema of various origins has been proven - Lucentis (Novartis Farma AG) and Ozurdex (Allergan).
Lucentis is a preparation of human antibodies against the growth factor of the inner wall of blood vessels. The drug blocks the formation of pathological vessels in the vascular membrane of the eye and retina, which are the cause of edema. It takes several injections of the drug to achieve maximum effect. The drug reduces the risk of decreased visual acuity. An increase in visual acuity is noted in 33-40% of cases.
Ozurdex is an intraocular implant that provides a gradual (usually within 6 months) release of dexamethasone into the vitreous body. Dexamethasone has an anti-inflammatory effect and relieves swelling. As a rule, a repeat procedure is not required. The drug effectively prevents vision loss and also increases its acuity.
It should be noted that injections of both drugs are performed in the operating room under local anesthesia and take several minutes.
