Introduction: What Are IVT Injections?
Intravitreal (IVT) injections are sight‑saving treatments delivered directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. They are most commonly used to treat wet age‑related macular degeneration (wet AMD)—a condition where abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood. Without IVT injections, wet AMD can cause rapid, permanent vision loss.
At Peter Ivins Eye Care in Bearsden, IVT injections form a crucial part of our macular disease triage pathway. While injections themselves are performed by a hospital or private retina specialist, our role is to provide:
- Same‑day diagnostic imaging when symptoms appear
- Urgent referral for IVT initiation
- Co‑management of imaging between injections using advanced OCT / OCT‑A and true‑colour imaging
- Follow‑up support, education and long‑term dry AMD management through The Valeda Clinic
What Conditions Do IVT Injections Treat?
While wet AMD is the most well‑known, IVT injections are also used for:
- Diabetic macular oedema (DMO)
- Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
- Myopic CNV
- Certain inflammatory macular diseases
In this article, we focus on wet AMD, as this is the main condition relevant to patients attending The Valeda Clinic.
Why Are IVT Injections Needed for Wet AMD?
Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels grow abnormally beneath the retina. These vessels are fragile and prone to:
- Leaking fluid
- Bleeding
- Causing swelling
- Creating scar tissue
These changes distort and damage the macula, affecting:
- Detailed vision
- Reading
- Face recognition
- Colour and contrast perception
Anti‑VEGF injections stop these abnormal vessels from leaking, reduce swelling, and help stabilise or even improve vision.
What Is Anti‑VEGF?
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a protein that promotes blood vessel growth. In wet AMD, the retina overproduces VEGF.
Anti‑VEGF medicines block VEGF, controlling vessel growth and leakage.
Common anti‑VEGF drugs include:
- Aflibercept (Eylea)
- Faricimab (Vabysmo) – dual VEGF/Ang‑2 inhibitor, often allowing longer injection intervals
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis, biosimilars)
- Bevacizumab gamma (Lytenava) – licensed low‑cost option increasingly adopted across the NHS
- Brolucizumab – used selectively
Your retina specialist will determine the most suitable medication.
What Happens During an IVT Injection?
The procedure is quick—usually under 20 seconds—and is performed in a sterile clinical setting.
Step-by-step:
- Anaesthetic drops numb the eye
- Antiseptic solution cleans the surface
- A small lid speculum keeps the eye open
- The injection is delivered through the white of the eye
- You may feel slight pressure, but no sharp pain
- You can go home shortly after
Most patients resume normal activity the same day.
Treatment Pathways: How Often Are IVT Injections Needed?
The typical treatment pattern is:
1. Loading phase
Monthly injections for 3 months to stabilise the retina.
2. Treat‑and‑extend
If scans show improvement, the specialist gradually extends the interval:
- 4 weeks → 6 weeks → 8 weeks → 10–12 weeks → sometimes 16 weeks3. Maintenance
Long‑term injections are usually needed, but at extended intervals.
Why consistency matters
Stopping injections too early can lead to:
- Fluid recurrence
- New haemorrhages
- Permanent loss of vision
Imaging: The Role of Peter Ivins Eye Care in IVT Pathways
We provide hospital‑grade imaging before, during and after treatment courses.
Our imaging suite includes:
- ZEISS CIRRUS 6000 OCT – ultra‑high‑resolution structural imaging with FastTrac
- OCT‑Angiography – detects neovascular activity without dye
- ZEISS CLARUS 500 – true‑colour ultra‑widefield for haemorrhage and drusen mapping
- Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) – monitors RPE stress and early atrophy
- ZEISS Retina Workplace + Altris AI – tracks fluid, PEDs and subtle change over time
This allows us to:
- Detect wet AMD same‑day
- Provide clear diagnostic evidence for the specialist
- Monitor between injections to ensure your retina stays stable
- Manage dry AMD in the fellow eye through Valeda PBM
How Do IVT Injections Interact with Valeda PBM Therapy?
Valeda photobiomodulation is not a treatment for wet AMD.
However, at The Valeda Clinic, PBM plays an important role in:
- Treating dry AMD in the fellow eye
- Supporting retinal metabolism in early/intermediate dry AMD
- Enhancing overall macular wellness alongside wet AMD control
For wet AMD patients, PBM supports the non‑injection eye, and provides long‑term care once the injected eye stabilises.
Book Now
…we can help you understand your baseline, your risk, and your options.
📞 Call us: 0141 943 3300
📍 Visit our clinic in Bearsden, Glasgow
📅 Book a Valeda Assessment online
Learn more at www.valedascotland.co.uk
FAQ’s
Do IVT injections hurt?
Most patients report pressure, not pain. The injection itself takes seconds.
How long will I need injections?
Wet AMD is a chronic condition. Many patients require ongoing maintenance treatment.
Can I miss an appointment?
Delays can allow fluid to return and risk permanent sight loss—always attend as scheduled.
Is there any alternative to injections?
Not currently. Anti‑VEGF remains the safest and most effective treatment for wet AMD.
Can both eyes need injections?
Yes—wet AMD can develop in either eye. Each eye receives its own treatment plan.