51 Ballow Street, Fortitude Valley 4006
51 Ballow Street, Fortitude Valley 4006
When wet AMD threatens the vision you depend on most, targeted injection therapy can help preserve what matters to you. If you’ve been diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration, or you’re noticing changes in your central vision, Dr Juanita Pappalardo’s experience with anti-VEGF injection therapy offers hope for maintaining your independence and quality of life.
Wet age-related macular degeneration develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath your macula and leak fluid or blood, threatening your central vision. Anti-VEGF injection therapy works by targeting the specific protein (VEGF) that promotes this unwanted blood vessel growth.
This treatment approach may be suitable if you have wet AMD that is progressing or affecting your vision. The injections work by blocking the signals that cause abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak, potentially helping to stabilise or improve your central vision.
Your individual response to treatment will depend on various factors, including how early the condition is detected and your specific type of wet AMD.
Anti-VEGF stands for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor – a medication that targets the specific protein responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth in wet AMD. When injected directly into the eye, this medication can help stop the leakage and growth of problematic blood vessels beneath your macula.
The treatment is delivered precisely where it’s needed most, allowing the medication to work directly on the affected area. This targeted approach means the medication can be most effective while minimising exposure to the rest of your body.
Many patients find that this treatment helps stabilise their vision and can sometimes lead to improvements in central vision clarity.
Preparing for Your Injection
Dr Pappalardo will thoroughly explain the procedure and provide detailed preparation guidelines. Since your vision may be temporarily affected after treatment, you’ll need to arrange transport to and from your appointment. This is a standard precaution to ensure your safety and comfort.
The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient treatment, allowing you to return home the same day.
During Your Injection Appointment
Your comfort and safety are priorities throughout the 15-minute procedure. Dr Pappalardo begins by applying anaesthetic drops to ensure you feel no discomfort during the injection.
The area around your eye is carefully cleaned and covered with a sterile drape. You may feel some gentle pressure during the injection, but the procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible.
After the injection is completed, your eye will be cleaned again and lubricating drops applied to enhance your comfort during the initial recovery period.
After Your Treatment
Some temporary grittiness or mild irritation is normal and typically resolves within 24 hours. Your vision may be slightly blurrier than usual immediately after treatment, which is expected and should improve as your eye settles.
You’ll receive lubricating drops to use as needed during the first day or two following your injection. Most patients find they can resume normal activities quite quickly, though driving should be avoided until your vision returns to baseline.
Treatment Schedule and Monitoring
Wet AMD injection therapy typically requires a series of treatments for optimal results. Initial injections may be scheduled monthly, with the frequency potentially adjusting based on your individual response to treatment.
Dr Pappalardo will closely monitor your progress through regular examinations and advanced imaging to track how your macula responds to treatment. This careful monitoring allows for personalised adjustments to your treatment schedule.
Some patients require ongoing injections to maintain vision stability, while others may have extended intervals between treatments as their condition stabilises.
Safety and Your Peace of Mind
While injection therapy has a well-established safety profile in treating wet AMD, Dr Pappalardo believes in complete transparency about all aspects of your care. She’ll discuss any relevant considerations specific to your situation during your consultation.
You’ll have direct access to Dr Pappalardo’s expertise throughout your treatment journey, with clear post-injection instructions and contact information should any concerns arise.
Regular monitoring ensures that any changes in your condition are detected promptly and your treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.
Treatment Outcomes and Expectations
Individual responses to anti-VEGF therapy vary, but many patients experience stabilisation of their vision, and some may notice improvements in central vision clarity. The goal is to slow or stop the progression of wet AMD while helping you maintain functional vision for daily activities.
Early treatment often provides the best opportunity for preserving vision, which is why prompt evaluation and care are important when wet AMD is suspected.
Dr Pappalardo will work with you to set realistic expectations based on your specific condition and monitor your progress closely to optimise your treatment outcomes.