Dr. Holhoș - Rețea de oftalmologie
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Intravitreal injections (for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy)

Intravitreal injections are performed after a full ophthalmological (visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, refraction and fundus examination) and imaging examination consisting of an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and, if necessary, an Angiofluorography (AFG).

What do you need to know?

Intravitreal administration has been practiced worldwide since 2005. When a medicine or medical device is approved by the competent authorities for a specific indication, the doctor may use it off-label, i.e. outside the indications listed on the authorized data sheet, for different purposes, based on clinical evidence from studies published in the scientific literature and on its own professional experience. Thus, the off-label use of medicines is not only authorized by law, but also very often put into practice.

Examples of off-label use in ophthalmology are the intravitreal use of Avastin, triamcinolone acetonide and injection of vancomycin (antibiotic); lidocaine (anesthetic) in the anterior chamber of the eye to enhance topical anesthesia; subconjunctival injection of gentamicin and dexamethasone, etc. The patients will be properly informed and must give their written consent on a written consent form about their disorder, alternatives to this therapeutic option, progression of the disorder with or without treatment, adverse reactions and side effects of the medicine, potential complications.

When are avastin (intravitreal) injections performed?

Intravitreal injections are performed after a full ophthalmological examination (visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, ocular pressure, refraction and fundus examination) and imaging which consists of performing an ophthalmological OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and, if necessary, an Angiofluorography (AFG).

The actual injection of avastin or other medication is performed in the operating room, with topical anesthesia (drops), respecting the rules of asepsis.

What is recommended after avastin injections?

After these intravitreal injections, avoid rubbing the eye and instill 1-2 drops of antibiotic solution 3 times a day into the conjunctival sac for one week. The injections are repeated every 4-6 weeks following a protocol agreed with your doctor.

In what situations are avastin intravitreal injections recommended?

In general, intravitreal injections are recommended in the following situations:

 

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Important note regarding patient consultations and surgery appointments

A patient who cancels a consultation or surgery appointment once, at least one day prior to the scheduled appointment, has the right to a second appointment under the same conditions.
If the patient cancels the second consultation and/or surgery appointment, a new appointment can be made only if the patient accepts to pay for both the consultation and the surgery in advance. This can be done either by payment order or in cash at the clinic reception.
A patient who does not show up for their consultation or surgery, who does not cancel the appointment in due time, or does not answer the clinic’s calls, may request a second appointment only if they pay for the consultation/surgery in advance. 
Patients requesting an appointment for retinal surgeries or laser Prk/Femtolasik/Smile Pro must pay 30% of the cost of the surgery in advance. The appointment will be scheduled only after receiving the advance payment. If the patient is unable to attend the scheduled consultation or surgery, and cancels the intervention at least 48 hours beforehand, they will be refunded in full. If the patient does not show up and does not cancel or contact the clinic at least 48 hours in advance, the advance paid is considered to be lost as damages and will no longer be refunded.