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!