Periocular injection

Schematic diagram of the human eye en

Periocular injection is a medical procedure involving the administration of medication into the tissues surrounding the eye. This method is primarily used for treating various eye diseases and conditions that affect the posterior segment of the eye, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. The periocular route offers a direct approach to deliver therapeutic agents close to the site of pathology, potentially reducing systemic side effects and improving drug efficacy within the eye.

Indications

Periocular injections are indicated for a range of ocular conditions, particularly those affecting the back of the eye where topical treatments may not reach effective concentrations. Conditions treated include, but are not limited to:

• Macular degeneration, especially the wet form, which involves abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina.
• Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes.
• Retinal vein occlusion, a blockage of the veins that carry blood away from the retina.
• Uveitis, inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.

Procedure

The periocular injection procedure involves the administration of medication into the space surrounding the eyeball, but not directly into the eyeball itself. This can be done through various approaches, including subtenon, peribulbar, or retrobulbar injections, depending on the specific condition being treated and the preference of the healthcare provider.

Before the procedure, the area around the eye is cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort. The healthcare provider then carefully injects the medication using a fine needle. The specific technique and location of the injection depend on the drug being administered and the targeted area of treatment.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, periocular injections carry potential risks and complications, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Damage to the eye or surrounding structures

Patients are monitored closely for any adverse effects following the procedure, and appropriate measures are taken to manage any complications.

Advantages

Periocular injections offer several advantages over other forms of drug delivery for eye diseases, including:

• Targeted delivery of medication to the affected area, potentially increasing drug efficacy.
• Reduced systemic absorption, minimizing the risk of side effects elsewhere in the body.
• Ability to use medications that may not be effective if given orally or topically due to poor penetration into the eye.

Conclusion

Periocular injections are a valuable tool in the management of various posterior segment eye diseases. By allowing for targeted drug delivery, this method can improve treatment outcomes for conditions that are otherwise difficult to manage. As with any medical procedure, the benefits must be weighed against the potential risks, and it should be performed by a qualified healthcare provider.

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Periocular injection for any updates.

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