City Eye Centre specialises in the latest intravitreal treatments for age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular oedema. We are equipped with the latest diagnostic technology such as high-resolution OCT scanning and Zeiss Clarus ultrawide-field angiography to accurately assess your condition.
We endeavour to deliver sight saving therapy utilizing established, effective treatment regimens such as Eylea, Lucentis, Vabysmo (these are termed anti-VEGF drugs) and Ozurdex (dexamethasone), and have had many years of experience in this.
We remain at the forefront of new research developments in the treatment of these conditions and aim to apply new, innovative treatments as soon as they become available.
Age-Related Macular degeneration
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration with Eylea, Lucentis, or Vabysmo can be potentially sight-saving aimed at reducing the neovascular membrane causing the leakage in the macula.
Intravitreal injections are performed at City Eye Centre using topical and local anaesthetic to make the procedure as pain free as possible. Generally, treatments are performed monthly in the initial induction phase and they can be extended to every 6-8 weeks once condition stabilizes (maintenance phase). You are treated with an individualized dosing strategy as part of your treatment plan. Long-term treatment is essential to maximize visual potential and maintain your vision, and in some cases treatment interval may be extended up to 3 months.
Retinal Vein occlusion (RVO) is a thrombosis of the retinal vein causing loss of vision and macular oedema. Prompt treatment with anti-VEGF therapy has replaced the previously adopted “wait and see” approach. We have noted excellent results in accordance with recent clinical trials, and often a finite endpoint to treatment. It is also important to have a GP monitoring your blood pressure which can be associated with RVO. We treat all types of RVO including central and branch retinal vein occlusions.
Diabetic macular oedema is a common cause of vision loss due to fluid retention in the macula in patients with diabetes. Diabetic macular oedema responds well to anti-VEGF treatments, and sometimes to Ozurdex (dexamethasone). Anti VEGF treatments are performed monthly for the first 6 months, then extended out to 2-3 monthly and further. Ozurdex treatments are usually performed every 4-6 monthly. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a severe form of diabetic retinopathy requiring PRP laser surgery and/or a vitrectomy, and recent research trials have also found anti-VEGF treatments to be successful.
While anti-VEGF therapy is usually successful, occasional side-effects such as post-procedure pain and redness can occur. When this occurs within 24 hours after the injection, this is usually related to ocular surface irritation and responds to frequent lubricants and topical antibiotics. If pain persists or vision changes, it is important to contact City Eye Centre on 07 3831 6888 as soon as possible. Other side-effects such as infection, increasing floaters, uveitis, vasculitis, cataract, retinal tear, retinal detachment, and recurrent retinal haemorrhage are rare.