Intravitreal Injection for Retinal Diseases
Intravitreal injections under the care of Dr. Nishant Taneja at the Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center in Tirana. The procedure is used to treat age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic retinopathy.
What Is an Intravitreal Injection?
An intravitreal injection is a procedure in which medication is delivered directly into the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. This allows the medication to act close to the retina and macula.
Intravitreal injections are used to treat wet macular degeneration, macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic eye disease.
The most commonly used medications are anti-VEGF agents, which inhibit fluid leakage and the formation of abnormal new blood vessels. The goal is to preserve vision and, where possible, improve it.
Dr. Nishant Taneja has extensive experience in administering intravitreal injections and in the short- and long-term management of retinal diseases. The treatment plan is tailored to the diagnosis and the patient’s response to treatment.
INTRAVITREAL INJECTION AT A GLANCE
Duration:
Recovery:
Anesthesia:
Clinical experience:
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What Symptoms May Indicate a Retinal or Macular Disease?
Some retinal diseases, particularly early-stage diabetic retinopathy, may not cause any symptoms. Signs that warrant an examination by an ophthalmologist include:
Blurred Central Vision
Distorted or Wavy Lines
Dark Spot in the Center of Vision
Sudden Vision Loss
Faded Colors and Reduced Contrast
Floaters or Web-Like Vision
Conditions Treated with Intravitreal Injections
Intravitreal injections are used to treat conditions that cause fluid leakage, macular edema, or the formation of abnormal new blood vessels in the retina.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration occurs when the central retina undergoes degenerative changes. It is one of the most common causes of irreversible central vision loss.
Macular degeneration is divided into two forms: exudative, or “wet,” and non-exudative, or “dry.” The wet form can cause sudden vision loss, while the dry form usually causes gradual deterioration.
Wet macular degeneration is treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents. More than 90% of patients receiving injections preserve their vision, and approximately 40–50% experience an improvement in their ability to distinguish objects. Results vary from patient to patient.
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion occurs when the vessels that drain blood from the retina become blocked. The main vein may become blocked, causing central retinal vein occlusion, or one of its smaller branches may be affected.
Vision loss may be caused by macular edema or by an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the retina, known as ischemia.
Patients may be treated with intravitreal injections, laser therapy, or vitrectomy. For macular edema, intravitreal injections may increase the likelihood of improvement by approximately 2–3 times compared with traditional treatment.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss among working-age adults. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have helped reduce cases of severe vision loss.
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerve cells of the retina. Treatment is particularly necessary when diabetic macular edema develops or abnormal new blood vessels form.
Depending on the changes in the retina, treatment may include anti-VEGF injections, laser treatment, or vitrectomy. Dr. Nishant Taneja tailors treatment to the condition, the extent of retinal damage, and the patient’s needs.
Benefits of Intravitreal Injection
Intravitreal injection aims to control the condition, reduce edema, and protect vision. Outcomes depend on the diagnosis and the extent of retinal damage.
Reduced Swelling
Inhibition of Abnormal Blood Vessels
Preservation of Vision
Potential for Improvement
Outpatient Procedure
Personalized Treatment for Retinal Diseases
Macular Degeneration
Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are the most common treatment for wet macular degeneration. They aim to stop leakage and bleeding from abnormal blood vessels.
- Anti-VEGF Injections
- Regular Macular Checkups
- Monitoring the Response to Treatment
- Repeat Injections as Needed
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Treatment is determined by macular edema, ischemia, and the presence of abnormal new blood vessels. A combination of procedures may be required.
- Injections for macular edema
- Laser treatment for abnormal new blood vessels
- Vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage
- Treatment for neovascular glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatment targets macular edema, abnormal new blood vessels, and complications of advanced diabetic retinopathy.
- Anti-VEGF Injections
- Retinal laser treatment
- Vitrectomy for persistent hemorrhage
- Removal of tissue pulling on the retina
What to Expect
01. Retinal Examination
During the examination, visual acuity is assessed, intraocular pressure is measured, and the eye is examined using a slit-lamp biomicroscope. Dilating eye drops are then administered so that the retina can be examined.
The examination helps determine the cause of vision loss and identify macular edema, bleeding, ischemia, or abnormal new blood vessels.
Depending on the patient’s condition, macular OCT, retinal photography, fluorescein angiography, or other necessary tests may be performed.
02. Procedure
The intravitreal injection is performed as an outpatient procedure. Various forms of local anesthesia may be used to minimize discomfort.
The surface of the eye and the surrounding skin are cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
The medication is injected into the eye using a very fine needle. The injection itself takes only a few seconds, and most patients feel only slight pressure or a mild pinching sensation.
After the procedure, the patient may leave the clinic. Patients are advised to arrange transportation and not drive themselves home.
03. Recovery and Follow-Up
After the injection, irritation, tearing, a scratchy sensation, or a red spot on the white of the eye may occur. These symptoms usually resolve quickly.
The patient should not rub the eye and should use only the eye drops or medications recommended by the doctor.
The injections may need to be repeated. The number of injections and the interval between them are determined by the condition and the patient’s response to treatment.
Severe pain, worsening redness, a sudden decrease in vision, or an increase in floaters requires immediate contact with the clinic.
Indian Eye Clinic Tirana: 15+ Years of Trust
Retina | Cataract | Refractive Surgery
The right care for a lifetime with clear vision
Every successful treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan. Discover the real stories of patients who trust Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center.
I have advanced glaucoma in both eyes and have undergone glaucoma and cataract surgery with Dr. Taneja. I have been receiving regular follow-up care from Dr. Taneja for the past 11 years.
I am very happy and satisfied with my experiences at Dr. Taneja’s clinic. The staff are helpful, knowledgeable, competent, and very pleasant. Dr. Taneja has worked diligently to preserve my vision, and I am extremely pleased with the care I have received. He deserves recognition for how good he is at what he does. I would recommend him 100% to anyone with serious eye problems.
I have suffered from a long-term problem with floaters in both eyes. Dr. Nishant Taneja is truly an expert in his field who allows patients to consider nonsurgical options as the first course of treatment. He is professional and courteous, treats patients with respect, and communicates clearly in terms that ordinary people can understand. I believe he is honest and straightforward, and he is taking excellent care of me.
I have been a patient of Dr. Nishant Taneja since 2010, when I was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration. He has treated me with Avastin, Eylea, and now brolucizumab, and I can still read large print.
I owe my sight to his treatments. He has taken excellent care of my eyes. The staff are absolutely outstanding in their courtesy and professionalism. I am 93 years old and can still read clearly. Thank you!
When I first came here, I thought I would go blind in my left eye. I was diagnosed with a vitreous hemorrhage caused by detachment of the vitreous gel. After the laser treatment, my vision returned to what it had been before.
I have received excellent medical care here. The entire staff have been very kind and have made everything much easier for me. I am very happy.
Many thanks to the entire staff. The whole process of my cataract surgery and the care I received were the best I have ever experienced at any medical practice. The staff and technology were first-rate. Dr. Taneja is simply phenomenal. Thank you again.
I underwent surgery for a retinal detachment last week. I experienced no pain during or after the operation. I slept well the following night without needing any pain medication. If anyone has questions about retinal surgery, please feel free to call me.
I am impressed by the high standard of patient care I received from Dr. Taneja at the Indian Eye Institute. I hold him in the highest regard.
I have had diabetes for over 30 years. Over the past 5 years, my vision gradually deteriorated. I had been receiving treatment from my ophthalmologist for the previous 4 years. The treatment involved injections, but the situation seemed to be getting worse. I could barely see well enough to drive, could not read anything on my phone, and began having difficulty recognizing people from a distance. I therefore decided to visit Dr. Nishant Taneja on the recommendation of my eye doctor. He was prompt, efficient, and professional. Within minutes, he had mapped out a treatment plan for both of my eyes and advised me to follow it. I was truly impressed by his energy, optimism, and confidence.
After several injections and laser treatments, he said that I needed a vitrectomy in my left eye. It went perfectly, without any complications. My vision in that eye was restored to 20/20. I felt as though I were opening my eyes for the first time.
After I recovered from that procedure, Dr. Taneja said that my right eye also needed surgery. So, without hesitation, I had that eye treated as well. I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes, and everything is wonderful.
I can now see my two young grandchildren clearly. This has improved my quality of life tremendously. Without a doubt, I am probably the happiest patient Dr. Taneja has ever had!
I am delighted to express my appreciation for Dr. Taneja and his exceptional staff.
If you are reading this review while deciding on a retina specialist, you have definitely come to the right place! An excellent doctor and staff. I am more than completely satisfied!
I believe Dr. Taneja is an exceptionally talented surgeon.
I began wearing glasses and contact lenses at the age of 12. I relied on them to see and read. During the spring, pollen irritated my eyes, and I could no longer wear my contact lenses.
After the procedures performed by Dr. Taneja, I went from being unable to see to having clear vision without contact lenses or glasses.
I would recommend Dr. Nishant Taneja for any procedure he performs. He is highly meticulous, compassionate, and understanding.
He worked a miracle for me. I thank God for his talent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A local anesthetic is used to numb the eye before the injection. Most patients feel only slight pressure or a very brief prick.
The number of injections depends on the condition and how the eye responds to treatment. Some patients require a series of repeated injections and regular follow-up appointments.
Patients are advised not to drive themselves home after the procedure. It is best to arrange transportation in advance.
Contact the clinic immediately if you experience severe pain, worsening redness, a sudden decrease in vision, or a sudden increase in floaters.
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