Subretinal Injections

Overview

Subretinal Injection(s), a careful, strategic manoeuvre, are types of injections administered directly within the subretinal space, the area between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors, to treat retinal disorders.

Subretinal injections aim to accurately and effectively deliver therapeutic fluid directly within the targeted region, ensuring direct contact with the affected cells. This precision results in limited drug concentration and delivery in an anatomically restricted space, enhancing the effectiveness of the procedure.

Procedure

The procedure involves vitrectomy surgery, a precise technique where a tiny incision is made to reach the subretinal space. A cannula is inserted to administer the therapeutic agent directly and precisely within the subretinal space.

Before administering the injection, a balanced salt solution is utilised in a syringe connected to the vitrectomy console. This precise technique creates a tiny, controlled liquid-filled space beneath the retina, ensuring adequate bleb formation and optimising treatment outcomes. A pre-bleb, therefore, ensures the safe, accurate, and highly effective delivery of the gene therapy vector. The bleb is crucial in delivering subretinal injections because it forms a controlled space for administering therapeutic fluids, enabling optimal fluid distribution and reducing the risk of retinal damage and reflux.

Subretinal injections, in general, are considered safe. It's important to note that, like any medical procedure, there may be risks, such as trauma or reflux of the injected substance. However, these occurrences are rare.

What to Expect Before Treatment

During your initial consultation, you will be in the capable hands of Dr Anele Yako, who will explain the procedure in explicit detail, discussing its benefits, risks, and adverse effects.

Subretinal injections as a treatment for retinal diseases are an emerging trend in healthcare due to the advantages and great strides in gene therapy. Maintaining the safety and success of this procedure is key to performing such an advanced surgical technique and providing reassurance to patients.