The eye works like a camera. It has two parts, a lens and a film. The film layer lines the back wall of the eyes and is called the retina. There is a transparent gel which is located in front of the retina called the vitreous. Patients who suffer from posterior uveitis develop inflammation within the retina. This may result in a clouding of the vitreous cavity as well as swelling within the retina.
Yutiq is a tiny non-biodegradable implant which is injected into the vitreous cavity. Patients will not typically feel any sharp pain associated with the intravitreal injection procedure. However, patients normally feel a significant amount of pressure being placed on the eye during the procedure.
It provides the eye with a continuous low dose of steroid medication over a 36-month period. Yutiq significantly decreases the risk of vision loss, recurrent episodes of inflammation, and minimizes the number of visits that most patients require. Some patients may not need any additional treatment during the 3 years. However, others may have a recurrent episode of inflammation requiring additional therapy.
Yutiq is a corticosteroid. All corticosteroids increase the risk of developing cataracts or high eye pressure. Many patients with uveitis have a component of cataract or high eye pressure prior to ever receiving Yutiq.
Yutiq is injected as part of an outpatient procedure called an intravitreal injection. It may be injected as frequently as once every three years.
Physicians are unable to predict if Yutiq is the only medication a patient would require for this condition during the 36 months in which it is effective. Therefore, patients are routinely monitored for elevated eye pressure, recurrent inflammation, cataracts, and macular edema (swelling) within the retina.
Yutiq is injected into the eye as part of an intravitreal injection procedure. It is an in-office procedure in which a medication is injected into the vitreous cavity of the eye. Patients may or may not see a rod shaped floater at the top of their vision that is most prominent when lying on their back. It will typically settle to the bottom of the eye and no longer be apparent in the vision after several days.
Betadine is a topical antiseptic that is used during the procedure to decrease the risk of infection. It does not hurt at first, but can cause significant irritation after the procedure, sometimes making it difficult to open the eye. This irritation will usually resolve on its own within a day.
Redness commonly occurs after the injection where the needle entered the eye. In some cases, the entire eye will become very red. The redness will resolve without additional treatment within 1-2 weeks and cause no permanent harm to the vision.
The eye is typically sore after the injection, but usually feels much better by the following day.
If the vision goes black immediately after the injection, this could be a sign that the eye pressure is too high. The vision will usually return on its own within a minute. However, this does require immediate attention from your doctor.
Patients who are experiencing a burning sensation immediately after the eye injection should make the staff aware.
Patients who experience a burning sensation after leaving the office may consider using preservative free artificial tear every 1 hour as needed for discomfort. It is important they wash their hands with soap and water and avoid touching their eye lashes.
The main risk of the procedure is the development of an infection called endophthalmitis. Fortunately, the risk of this infection is very low, occurring in approximately 1 in 3000 injections. The signs of infection are eye pain, sensitivity to light, and decreased vision. If it occurs, it typically occurs 3-5 days following the treatment, but may occur earlier or later. Patients with these symptoms need to contact their eye care specialist immediately. Patients can decrease their risk of developing an infection by avoiding rubbing, touching their eyes, or allowing water into their eyes for at least one week.
Be alert for these symptoms.
Yutiq may cause an increase in eye pressure. The peak of this increase is around 6 weeks after the injection, but may occur sooner or later. Patients who note blurry vision and headaches around the eye that received Yutiq may be experiencing increased eye pressure or inflammation. This requires that your eye care specialist be contacted to determine if additional evaluation and treatment is required.
Endophthalmitis is a rare sight threatening infection which can occur following an intravitreal injection. It occurs in approximately 1 of every 3,000 injections. There is excellent treatment, but treatment must be administered emergently.
If endophthalmitis is going to occur, it typically occurs 3-5 days following the injection. The signs include the following 3 symptoms (patients nearly always have all three).
Severe pain in or around the eye
Extreme sensitivity to light
New floaters or decreased vision
Endophthalmitis should be treated emergently. Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing such symptoms.
Please contact your eye care specialist if you have additional questions or concerns.
