Intravitreal injections are a common and highly effective treatment for a variety of retinal diseases. These injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous cavity, the gel-like substance in the middle of the eye, where it can act on the retina and nearby structures. The goal of these injections is to reduce swelling, inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth, and prevent further vision loss.
"At Mahajan Eye Centre, we specialize in intravitreal injections for conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion, and more. Our goal is to provide patients with the latest and most effective treatments to preserve and restore vision."

Intravitreal injections are used to treat several retinal conditions, including:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A common cause of vision loss in older adults, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): A complication of diabetes where fluid accumulates in the macula, causing swelling and vision problems.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion: A blockage in the retinal veins that can lead to fluid leakage and vision loss.
- Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization: Abnormal blood vessel growth in highly myopic (nearsighted) patients.
Intravitreal injections are administered in a sterile, clinical setting to ensure patient safety and reduce the risk of infection. The procedure itself is quick and minimally invasive:
- Preparation: The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops to ensure you feel no discomfort during the injection. Your eye and surrounding area are thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
- Positioning: You will be asked to lie back in a comfortable position. A special device may be used to keep your eye open during the procedure.
- Injection: Using a fine, thin needle, the medication is injected directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. The injection itself only takes a few seconds, and most patients feel little to no pain.
- Aftercare: After the injection, you may be given antibiotic drops to use for a few days to prevent infection. Some patients may experience mild redness or discomfort, but this typically resolves within a day or two.
Most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure. However, your ophthalmologist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the treatment’s effectiveness and check for any side effects.

Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections are designed to block the action of VEGF, a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. By inhibiting VEGF, these medications prevent the formation of leaky blood vessels, reduce swelling, and improve vision in many patients.
Common Anti-VEGF Injections:
- Bevacizumab (Avastin)
- Usage: Originally developed as a cancer drug, Avastin is widely used off-label to treat eye conditions due to its cost-effectiveness.
- Efficacy: It has been shown to be as effective as other anti-VEGF treatments for many patients but may require more frequent dosing.
- Cost: Avastin is the most affordable anti-VEGF option, making it a popular choice, especially in resource-limited settings.
- Duration of Action: Injections are usually given every 4 to 6 weeks.

- Ranibizumab (Accentrix)
- Usage: Ranibizumab is specifically developed for ocular use and has a strong track record for treating AMD, DME, and other retinal diseases.
- Efficacy: Similar to Avastin in efficacy but designed for ophthalmic use.
- Cost: Ranibizumab is more expensive than Avastin but widely used for its safety profile.
- Duration of Action: Typically injected every 4 to 6 weeks.

- Ranibizumab Biosimilars in India (Razumab, Ranieyes, Visumab, Oceva, etc.)
- Usage: Biosimilars provide an affordable alternative to Ranibizumab with similar efficacy.
- Efficacy: These biosimilars offer comparable outcomes to the original Ranibizumab (Accentrix).
- Cost: Biosimilars are more affordable than branded Ranibizumab, making them accessible to a broader patient population.
- Duration of Action: Injections are administered every 4 to 6 weeks, similar to Ranibizumab.

- Aflibercept (Eylea)
- Usage: Eylea is an advanced anti-VEGF drug that blocks both VEGF and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), making it more comprehensive in action.
- Efficacy: Eylea has been shown to have a longer duration of action compared to other anti-VEGF agents and may be more effective in certain patients.
- Cost: It is more expensive than Avastin and Ranibizumab but is favored for its longer-lasting effect.
- Duration of Action: Injections may be given every 8 weeks after an initial loading phase, reducing the frequency of treatments.

- Brolucizumab (Pagenax)
- Usage: Brolucizumab is one of the latest additions to the anti-VEGF family, designed for treating AMD.
- Efficacy: Brolucizumab offers longer intervals between injections with comparable efficacy to Eylea, making it a convenient option for patients.
- Cost: Slightly higher than other anti-VEGFs, but the extended dosing schedule may reduce overall costs.
- Duration of Action: : Can be injected every 12 weeks in many cases after the initial dosing phase.

- Faricimab (Vabysmo)
- Usage: Faricimab is the first dual-action anti-VEGF, targeting both VEGF-A and Angiopoietin-2. It is approved for treating AMD and DME.
- Efficacy: It offers improved fluid control and vision outcomes, potentially reducing the need for frequent injections.
- Cost: Vabysmo is priced similarly to Eylea, making it an effective but premium option.
- Duration of Action: Injections can be spaced out to as long as 16 weeks in some patients, making it a long-lasting treatment option.

Comparison of Anti-VEGFs:

Steroid Implants: Ozurdex
Ozurdex is a dexamethasone implant that is injected into the eye to treat retinal swelling caused by conditions like diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and non-infectious uveitis.
How It Works:
The implant slowly releases dexamethasone, a potent steroid, over a period of several months, reducing inflammation and fluid buildup in the retina.
Benefits of Ozurdex:
- Long-Lasting Effect: The implant can remain effective for up to 3 to 6 months, reducing the need for frequent injections.
- Minimal Side Effects: While steroids can increase intraocular pressure or cause cataracts in some patients, Ozurdex is generally well-tolerated.

Other Intravitreal Injection Options
In addition to anti-VEGF treatments and steroid implants, other medications can be administered via intravitreal injection depending on the condition:
- Antibiotics or Antifungals: Used in cases of severe eye infections like endophthalmitis, these injections directly target the infection inside the eye.
- Anti-Inflammatories: Steroids, besides Ozurdex, can also be used for managing severe uveitis or other inflammatory eye conditions
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we offer a full range of intravitreal injections tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Our centre is equipped with the latest technology to ensure safe and effective delivery of treatment, minimizing discomfort and maximizing outcomes.
- We offer a variety of anti-VEGF treatments, including the latest options like Pagenax and Vabysmo.
- Our expert team is highly experienced in administering Ozurdex steroid implants and managing complex retinal diseases.
- We provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to follow-up, ensuring that patients receive personalized treatment plans for their retinal conditions.
Why Mahajan Eye Centre?
Expertise and Experience
Our experienced surgeons have been using intravitreal injections for decades, ensuring high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Advanced Technology
Our investment in the latest technology and availability of a variety on injections (including latest options) enables us to provide safe, precise, and efficient treatment for your condition.
Personalized Care
We customize every aspect of your disease management, from diagnostics to selecting the injection that best suits your disease diagnosis, stage and needs.
Comprehensive Post-Op Care
Our team will guide you through a smooth recovery process, ensuring that any post-procedure issuesare promptly addressed if needed.
