Diabetic macular oedema
Diabetic macular oedema results in leak of fluid in the central part of the eye called the macula.
This occurs due to changes in the eye after a few years of having diabetes and is called diabetic retinopathy.
The macula is a vital part of the retina or the central part of the back of the eye that helps you to read, see colour and define detail. The leak of fluid results in macular oedema causing loss of vision or difficulty in reading. There is also a lack of oxygen in the surrounding areas of the retina which can also affect the vision.Â
This is associated with release of growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which causes blood vessels in the eye to leak and also produce new vessels called neovascularisation which can cause bleeds inside the eye.
When are intravitreal injections indicated?
An Intravitreal injections is usually indicated when there is development of macular oedema.
Anti-VEGF injections will block the VEGF growth and improve the leakage of fluid and prevent further complications such as bleeding inside the eye.Â
Steroid eye injections improve the leakage of fluid by counteracting inflammatory pathways. A steroid implant is an effective way to deliver steroid inside the eye by injecting an implant which can last in the eye by releasing a small amount of steroid slowly over a period of 4-6 months for up to 3 years.
Will intravitreal injections improve vision?
Various options that are available for the treatment of macular oedema will improve vision in 30-60% of patients depending on the type of injection used and the severity of the eye condition.
What are the risks of intravitreal injections?
The risks for intravitreal injections include 1:3000 chance of severe visual loss, seeing floaters for a few days, mild redness, grittiness and discomfort. Steroid injections also carry of risk for development of a cataract and infrequently a rise in intraocular or eye pressure which can usually be managed with eyedrops.
Our Consultants at VISIO Health have the expertise in treating diabetic macular oedema and will help you decide in which steroid eye injection option is best for you.
Our Treatments and Price List
| New patient consultation | £320 |
| Follow up appointment | £280 |
| Avastin eye injection | £750 |
| Lucentis eye injection | £1700 |
| Eylea eye injection | £1800 |
| Vabysmo eye injection | £1950 |
| Triamcinolone or Intracinol eye injections | £750 |
| Ozurdex eye injection | £2800 |
| Iluvien eye injection | £8500 |
| lasts 36 months |
If you would like to discuss Ophthalmology treatments, please get in touch with a member of our team
