IVT Terms and Conditions
Intravitreal IVT injections are offered in cases of:
AMD affecting the macula
Treatment of the retrofoveal neovascular (wet) form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is done by injection of a product.
Diabetic macular edema (DME)
Treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema (DME)
Retinal vein occlusion
Treatment of visual impairment due to macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This treatment is mainly done using an injectable product: Intravitreal Injections.
Its progress:
The medication to be injected is provided free of charge in pharmacies on special prescription provided by the ophthalmologist. No preoperative assessment is generally required (except exceptions: anticoagulant treatment, etc.). It is not necessary to fast. Wearing contact lenses is not recommended the week before the injection. A shower and shampoo the day before are recommended. Avoid wearing makeup on the day of the IVT. The IVT is performed in the operating room, on an outpatient basis without hospitalization. The patient is dressed in a single-use gown. The eye is disinfected after local anesthesia with drops. The eyelids are held open using a "retractor". The doctor performs the injection in a few seconds. The injection is not or only slightly painful, pressure or some tingling may be felt.
After the injection:
Return home 30 minutes later, it is preferable to be accompanied. Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed 4 times a day for 3 days. Your ophthalmologist will ask you to come back the next day for a consultation (simple free check-up) to check the results of the injection… In the hours or days that follow, more or less serious side effects are possible. They will have been explained to you in detail by your ophthalmologist before the procedure and the delivery of the products to the pharmacy. Also, the explanation of the side effects is included in the consent form that you signed; their occurrence requires an emergency consultation.
How many injections will be needed?
Most often, a first series of 3 injections at 4/6 week intervals is recommended. Its effectiveness is evaluated about a month after the last injection. If visual acuity is stabilized, treatment can be stopped with monthly visual acuity checks. In case of unstable visual acuity, treatment must be continued with visual acuity checks and monthly treatments until 3 consecutive assessments with stable visual acuity.
Is it really effective?
Many scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of Intravitreal Injections: they often stop the progression of the disease, or even improve visual acuity. These results sometimes require repeating the injections. However, some cases do not respond to the treatment.
The CCAM code for this procedure is BGLB001, giving rise to a social security reimbursement on the basis of 83.60 euros with, where applicable, additional reimbursement by mutual insurance companies possible on invoice. The injectable product is delivered free of charge on special prescription provided by the ophthalmologist.
