An intravitreal injection delivers medication directly into the vitreous – the gel-like substance inside the eye. This method ensures that high concentrations of the drug reach the retina, where it can act on disease processes such as abnormal vessel growth, fluid leakage, or inflammation.
The procedure is performed in a sterile clinical setting using local anesthetic drops. Most patients describe it as quick and only mildly uncomfortable.
Intravitreal therapy is used to treat several sight-threatening retinal conditions:
Many intravitreal injections involve anti-VEGF medications. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in retinal diseases. Blocking this signal helps stabilize or improve vision in most patients.
ELZA offers all approved anti-VEGF therapies, including:
The choice of medication and injection frequency is tailored to your individual response and disease status. Some patients begin with monthly treatments, followed by less frequent dosing as stability is achieved.
ELZA is one of the first centers in Switzerland to offer Syfovre® (pegcetacoplan), the first approved treatment for geographic atrophy, a late-stage form of dry AMD. Syfovre® slows disease progression by modulating the complement system – specifically complement factor C3 – to reduce inflammation and photoreceptor loss. It is administered through intravitreal injection.
Intravitreal injections are typically brief. After applying anesthetic eye drops, the medication is injected into the eye using a very fine needle. The procedure is done under sterile conditions to minimize infection risk.
Following the injection, your vision may be blurry for a few hours. Some patients notice mild irritation or floaters, which usually resolve on their own. You will receive post-injection instructions and attend regular follow-up visits to monitor your progress.
While serious complications such as infection or retinal detachment are rare, they can occur. Patients are advised to contact us promptly if they experience severe pain, worsening vision, or increased floaters after treatment.
Dr. Andrea Oleñik Memmel is a medical retina specialist with advanced training in intravitreal therapy.
Your injection schedule and medication choice are tailored to your diagnosis, treatment response, and vision goals.
All diagnostics and treatment are provided on-site, including OCT and fundus angiography.
Injections are performed under controlled conditions following current best-practice guidelines.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a retinal condition or referred for intravitreal injections, schedule an appointment at the ELZA Institute. We will explain your treatment plan, answer your questions, and guide you through the process step by step.
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