Maculopathies

Exudative maculopathies, which may have various origins, cause visual damage associated with the accumulation of subretinal fluid, and are almost always caused by abnormal blood vessels. There are different types of maculopathy:

  • The most common is AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration), the main cause of legal blindness in the over-60s in Europe;
  • Then there are exudative types associated with short-sightedness (myopic CNV);
  • Other complex forms are associated with rare retinal disorders;
  • Post thrombosis retinal macular oedema or those associated with diabetic retinopathy.

These disorders are treated with intravitreal injections containing antiangiogenic substances (Anti VEGF) or steroids which inhibit the abnormal blood vessels that cause the accumulation of subretinal fluid.

Treatment using intravitreal injections is carried out in the operating theatre, as outpatient surgery, using a topical anaesthetic, with the pupils dilated. It hurts a little, requires post-treatment therapy with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for several days, allows any kind of visual activity the following day.