Clinical Pearls
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) Inhibitors prevent the formation and proliferation of new blood vessels in the retina
These injections are done for Wet AMD, PDR, and also CRVOs
VEGF Inhibitors were originally FDA approved to treat metastatic cancers in which new blood vessels were needed to propagate tumor growth
This process of new blood vessels forming is nearly identical in Wet AMD, PDR, and CRVOs which is why VEGF inhibitors also work in the eye!
Intravitreal injections can also include steroids for diabetic retinopathy, and antibiotics to treat endophthalmitis
Examples of VEGF Inhibitors
Avastin
EYLEA / EYLEA HD
VABYSMO
LUCENTIS
Examples of Steroids
Ozurdex (dexamethasone)
ILUVIEN (fluocinolone)
XIPERE (triamcinolone)
A gas bubble is injected into the posterior chamber to push the retina onto the back of the eye and let it heal in place
Gas Bubble seen on a fundus photo from a pneumatic retinopexy
This is a procedure that removes the vitreous in order to perform procedures on the retina, such as retinal detachments
Pars Plana is part of the Ciliary Body located between the Iris and the Sclera
Less common now, but A band is placed around the outside of the eye to help push the retina back into place and heal
An argon laser is used to seal bleeding vessels n the peripheral retina
This is why diabetic patients need to control their blood sugar!
PRP laser burns in the peripheral retina