Intravitreal steroid injections are vital for managing retinal swelling caused by conditions like diabetic macular edema. Our experienced eye doctors are here to help you regain clarity in your vision.
Intravitreal steroid injection is a specialized procedure where a steroid medication is directly administered into the vitreous gel of the eye. It is an effective treatment used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the retina. Our eye doctors use this technique to help manage conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and uveitis.
An intravitreal steroid injection involves placing a carefully measured dose of steroid medication directly into the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. This method of delivery allows the medication to reach the retina quickly and in high concentration, which is crucial when targeting inflammation and retinal swelling. Unlike more common intravitreal injections involving anti-VEGF drugs, the steroid injected may appear as tiny specks or floaters, which typically settle over days or weeks.
The primary aim of intravitreal steroid injections is to reduce the inflammation that leads to retinal swelling, also known as macular edema. In conditions such as diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and uveitis, inflammation causes fluid to leak into the retina, impairing vision. Here’s the thing—by reducing inflammation, these injections help to stabilize vision and may even lead to improvements in clarity over time.
For many patients, anti-VEGF injections serve as the first line of therapy. However, if a patient’s response to these injections is limited or if the inflammation is the predominant issue, our eye doctors may recommend an intravitreal steroid injection. This treatment is especially beneficial when managing persistent or refractory retinal swelling, helping to maintain the eye’s delicate balance and protect vision.
Contact us today to find a top optometrist near you who specializes in intravitreal steroid injections and take the first step toward better eye health.
Steroids have a well-known role in reducing inflammation in the body. When injected into the vitreous of the eye, steroids target inflammatory pathways directly at the site of the retinal condition. The medication helps decrease fluid leakage and swelling, improving blood flow to the retinal cells and reducing further damage. This is achieved by suppressing the inflammatory factors that contribute to tissue damage and fluid accumulation within the retina.
In contrast to anti-VEGF drugs, which block abnormal blood vessel growth, intravitreal steroid injections work by mitigating the inflammatory process. The improvement in retinal integrity can lead to a stabilization of vision, which is crucial for patients facing conditions that threaten their central vision.
There are several types of steroids that may be used for intravitreal injections. The selection of medication depends on the specific condition being treated, its severity, and the individual patient’s treatment history. Our eye doctors carefully consider these factors when choosing the appropriate medication for each patient.
This short-acting steroid is commonly used for conditions like diabetic macular edema, uveitis, and retinal vein occlusion. When injected, its effects typically last around three months, making it a viable choice for patients who need periodic treatment to manage inflammation. Because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, triamcinolone acetonide can effectively reduce retinal swelling and improve visual outcomes in many cases.
Dexamethasone, delivered as a slow-release implant, is designed to dissolve gradually over several months. This type of steroid injection is FDA-approved for conditions such as diabetic macular edema, uveitis, and retinal vein occlusion. The extended release simplifies treatment schedules by reducing the need for frequent injections, and many patients appreciate the convenience of longer-lasting therapy.
This long-acting steroid implant provides therapeutic effects for up to three years, making it an attractive option for patients with chronic retinal inflammation. Fluocinolone acetonide is particularly useful in managing persistent diabetic macular edema and uveitis. For patients who require long-term control of inflammation, this implant can help maintain vision stability over an extended period.
Contact us today to find a top optometrist near you who specializes in intravitreal steroid injections and take the first step toward better eye health.
Intravitreal steroid injections effectively reduce retinal swelling, helping patients with diabetic macular edema and other conditions improve vision.
