Eye injections are a crucial treatment for several eye conditions, particularly those affecting the retina. These injections are administered directly into the eye (intravitreal injections) to deliver medication to the back of the eye, where many sight-threatening conditions occur. Conditions such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), retinal vein occlusions, and diabetic retinopathy are commonly treated using this method.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of eye injections available, the conditions they treat, and the factors that affect the eye injections cost in Australia.
What Are Eye Injections?
Eye injections, or intravitreal injections, are a targeted way to deliver medications directly to the retina and other parts of the eye. The retina, located at the back of the eye, is responsible for capturing light and sending visual signals to the brain. Eye injections are effective because they bypass the barriers that prevent medications taken orally or topically from reaching the retina in sufficient concentrations.
Eye injections are a quick, in-office procedure that involves numbing the eye with anaesthetic drops before carefully injecting medication. Though it may sound daunting, the procedure is typically well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery time.
Types of Eye Injections
Several types of eye injections are available, depending on the specific eye condition and the medication required.
- Anti-VEGF Injections
Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are the most commonly used eye injections. These medications work by blocking VEGF, a protein that encourages abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Abnormal blood vessels can leak fluid or blood, damaging the retina and leading to vision loss.
Common anti-VEGF medications include:
- Eylea (Aflibercept):Used for conditions like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusions. Eylea reduces the swelling in the retina, helping to stabilise or improve vision.
- Lucentis (Ranibizumab):Lucentis treats similar conditions as Eylea and is effective at slowing the progression of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
- Vabysmo (Faricimab):A newer option in the anti-VEGF category, Vabysmo targets both VEGF and Ang-2, another protein involved in abnormal blood vessel growth. This dual-action treatment offers a promising solution for difficult-to-treat cases of ARMD and other retinal conditions.
- Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are another form of treatment for retinal conditions, particularly those that involve inflammation. These medications work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the retina.
- Ozurdex (Dexamethasone implant):This is a slow-release implant injected into the eye to provide long-term control of inflammation. It is commonly used for retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular oedema.
- Triamcinolone: Another steroid option, often used to treat inflammation in conditions like uveitis, a form of eye inflammation.
- Antibiotic and Antiviral Injections
In cases of severe eye infections, particularly those that threaten the retina or optic nerve, antibiotic or antiviral injections may be necessary. These injections help to fight infections such as endophthalmitis (a serious infection inside the eye) or viral infections like herpes simplex virus that affects the retina.
These types of injections are less common but are life-saving for vision when needed.
Conditions Treated with Eye Injections
Eye injections are used to manage a wide variety of eye conditions, particularly those affecting the retina and macula, including:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD):The leading cause of vision loss in Australians over 50, ARMD occurs when the macula (the central part of the retina) becomes damaged. Anti-VEGF injections are the most common treatment for the wet form of ARMD, where abnormal blood vessels form beneath the retina and leak fluid.
- Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Oedema: These conditions are caused by damage to the retinal blood vessels due to high blood sugar levels. Eye injections, especially anti-VEGF and steroid injections, help reduce swelling and stop the progression of vision loss.
- Retinal Vein Occlusions: This occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, causing blood and other fluids to leak into the retina, leading to swelling. Anti-VEGF and steroid injections are often used to reduce this swelling and improve vision.
- Uveitis: An inflammatory condition that affects the middle layer of the eye. Steroid injections can help manage inflammation and prevent damage to the retina.
Eye Injections Cost in Australia
The cost of eye injections in Australia can vary based on several factors, including the type of medication used, the frequency of treatment, and whether the patient is treated in the public or private healthcare system.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: There are more expensive medications used for eye injections. Fortunately, Medicare and private health insurance may cover a significant portion of the cost. In the private system, anti-VEGF injections range depending on the type of medication and whether you qualify for subsidies.
- Steroid Injections: Steroid injections are typically more affordable than anti-VEGF injections, prices generally depending on the treatment setting and subsidies available.
Patients receiving ongoing eye injections may face considerable costs, particularly if injections are needed regularly. It is crucial to check with your healthcare provider and insurer to understand your out-of-pocket expenses.
Conclusion
Eye injections are an essential treatment for many serious eye conditions, especially those affecting the retina. The different types of eye injections available, including anti-VEGF, steroid, and antibiotic/antiviral injections, offer targeted therapies that can preserve and even improve vision in many cases. Although the eye injections cost in Australia can be significant, the benefits they provide in preventing vision loss are often worth the investment.
“At Southside Eye Centre, our Eye Surgeon Brisbane team is renowned for providing expert care and advanced treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.” Our specialists are equipped with the latest technologies and treatments, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care tailored to their specific needs.