When you have a problem with your eyesight, we usually put on a pair of glasses or use eye drops. But sometimes, some complex conditions that occur inside the eye require more specialized treatment. You may be a little scared when you hear the word "injecting" an injection into the eye. But it is a very important treatment to protect your eyesight. Today we are going to talk about one such special injection, Ocriplasmin.
What kind of medicine is Ocriplasmin?
Simply put, Ocriplasmin is an intraocular injection. It is used to treat a condition called Vitreomacular Adhesion . Now you may be wondering what Vitreomacular Adhesion is.
Imagine, there is a jelly-like substance inside our eyes. In medical terms, we call this 'vitreous humor'. This jelly is what gives the eye its spherical shape. The retina is the very sensitive layer at the back of the eye that helps us see. As we age, this jelly-like part shrinks and gradually begins to separate from the retina.
But in some people, this jelly can stick tightly to the center of the retina, the part called the macula , which is essential for clear vision. When it sticks like that, it starts to pull on the retina. That's what we call a condition called Vitreomacular Adhesion (VMA). This pulling can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, distorted vision (seeing things crooked), and a black spot in the center of the vision.
The vaccine, called Ocriplasmin, works by loosening the adhesion between the jelly and the retina, helping to separate the two. To be precise, it's an enzyme. It dissolves the proteins that cause the adhesion, stopping damage to the retina. The brand name for this is JETREA .
Things you need to tell your doctor before undergoing this treatment
Because this is a very specific treatment, it is essential that you inform your doctor about your complete health history. In particular, you should definitely tell them about the following:
| Status | Details to tell the doctor |
|---|---|
| Eye infections | Tell us if you currently have any infection in or around your eye. |
| Glaucoma | If you have glaucoma or are being treated for it. |
| Recent eye surgeries | If you have recently had any eye surgery, please inform us about it. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Ocriplasmin or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | It is very important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home and use. This vaccine is given by an ophthalmologist who specializes in this treatment, in a hospital or clinic.
Before the treatment, the doctor will carefully examine your eye and apply eye drops to numb the eye. Then, very carefully, using a very fine needle, the medicine is injected into the vitreous material inside the eye. This process takes very little time.
Important: This is not a daily medication like a regular medication. This is a one-time, specific treatment as prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, there is no need to worry about missing a dose.
If you think you may have overdosed on this medicine (which is very unlikely as it is given in a hospital setting), inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
After receiving this vaccine, it is very important to go for follow-up visits as directed by your doctor. He or she will monitor the condition of your eyes and the success of the treatment.
If you experience any sudden changes in your vision, such as decreased vision, blurred vision, or seeing flashes of light , it is important to inform your doctor immediately . Do not ignore this.
Also, follow the doctor's instructions to prevent an infection from entering the injected eye (for example, not rinsing the eye for a few days).
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Ocriplasmin injection can cause some side effects. Although not everybody gets them, it is important to know what they are.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, decreased vision, floaters, and flashes of light. |
| Eye pain and redness | Severe eye pain, redness, and difficulty looking at light. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry eyes | Feeling of dryness in the eye. |
| Eye discomfort | Feeling of slight discomfort or burning in the eye. |
| Swelling around the eye | Slight swelling around the eye where the vaccine was given. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Ocriplasmin is an intraocular injection that treats a specific condition related to the retina of the eye (vitreomacular adhesion).
- This treatment is only given by a specialist ophthalmologist in a hospital or clinic. This is not a medicine that can be taken home and used.
- Before treatment, it is essential to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- If you experience any sudden changes in vision, pain, or redness after receiving the vaccine, contact your doctor immediately .
- Strictly follow the follow-up instructions and re-examination dates given by your doctor. This will go a long way in protecting your eyesight.
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