Retinal Care
at
East Florida Eye Institute
At East Florida Eye Institute, our commitment to advancing retinal care extends far beyond the exam room. Under the leadership of Dr. Frenkel, our team has played a key role in the clinical trials that helped develop many of today’s most important retinal treatments. This hands-on involvement in research ensures that our patients receive care guided by the latest scientific breakthroughs and the safest, most effective therapies available.
Living with a retinal condition such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), or retinal vein occlusion (RVO) can feel overwhelming. These conditions affect the delicate blood vessels in the back of the eye, leading to fluid leakage, swelling, and vision loss if left untreated. Fortunately, modern medicine has transformed how we manage these diseases. Today, the most common and effective treatment involves retinal injections—a group of medications designed to protect your sight and, in many cases, even improve vision.
What Are Retinal Injections?
Retinal injections are medicines placed directly into the eye to treat diseases that damage the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that allows you to see. These medications belong to a class called anti-VEGF drugs. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a natural protein in the body, but in retinal disease, it is produced in excessive amounts. This causes fragile, abnormal blood vessels to grow beneath the retina, where they leak fluid or blood and blur vision.
By blocking VEGF—and in some cases, additional pathways—these medications:
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Reduce swelling in the retina
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Prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels
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Help stabilize or improve vision
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Slow or stop the progression of disease
What to Expect During Treatment
Many patients feel anxious when they first hear the word “injection,” but the procedure is quick and designed to be as comfortable as possible. At East Florida Eye Institute, injections are performed right in the office under sterile conditions:
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Your eye is cleaned and numbed with anesthetic drops.
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A small amount of medication is gently injected into the eye.
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The entire process takes only a few minutes.
Most patients report only a sensation of pressure rather than pain, and mild irritation afterward typically resolves within a day or two. Because retinal diseases are chronic, injections are often repeated at regular intervals. Over time, the schedule may be adjusted depending on how your eye responds.
Types of Retinal Injections
Several medications are available, and your doctor will recommend the one best suited for your condition, medical history, and lifestyle needs:
Wet AMD
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Eylea® – A widely used anti-VEGF injection proven to reduce swelling and protect vision.
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Eylea® HD – A newer, high-dose version that may allow longer intervals between treatments.
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Lucentis® – One of the first FDA-approved anti-VEGF injections with a long track record of safety and success.
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Vabysmo® – A next-generation treatment that targets two disease pathways (VEGF and Ang-2), potentially allowing longer treatment intervals.
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Avastin® – An effective anti-VEGF medication that has been widely used in ophthalmology for many years and offers a more cost-effective option.
Dry AMD
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Syfovre® – The first FDA-approved therapy for GA, Syfovre works by targeting the complement pathway to slow the spread of cell damage in the retina. It is typically given every 25 to 60 days.
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Izervay® – Another breakthrough GA treatment, Izervay also targets the complement system to reduce the progression of atrophy. It is usually administered once per month.
Each medication works in a slightly different way, but all are designed with the same goal: to preserve your sight and help you maintain your quality of life.
The latest treatments are available via clinical trials. If interested, see our research Clinicals Trials page.