Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection in Japan
Index
What is Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection?
Which Conditions are Treated?
How Does Anti-VEGF Injection Prevent Vision Loss?
Anti-VEGF Injection Procedures
Risks of Anti-VEGF Injection
Cost of Anti-VEGF Injection in Japan
Advantages of Anti-VEGF Injection in Japan
Our Medical Concierge Services
What is Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection?
Anti-VEGF (anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) intravitreal injection is a highly effective treatment for various retinal diseases. It involves injecting a medication directly into the vitreous gel inside the eye. This medication is designed to block a protein called VEGF, which is responsible for the growth of abnormal blood vessels and fluid leakage in the retina. By inhibiting VEGF, the injection helps to reduce retinal swelling, stop the growth of new vessels, and ultimately prevent vision loss.
Which Conditions are Treated?
Anti-VEGF injections are the standard of care for several sight-threatening retinal diseases. This treatment is primarily used for conditions that involve abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) or swelling (edema) in the macula, the central part of the retina.
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Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Specifically the "neovascular" or "wet" form, where abnormal vessels leak fluid and blood, causing rapid vision loss.
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Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling of the macula caused by fluid leakage from damaged blood vessels in patients with diabetes.
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Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): Blockage of a retinal vein, leading to fluid and blood leakage into the macula.
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Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV): Abnormal vessel growth under the retina from causes other than AMD.
How Does Anti-VEGF Injection Prevent Vision Loss?
The medication works by targeting and neutralizing the VEGF protein. In conditions like neovascular AMD and diabetic macular edema, an overproduction of VEGF leads to two primary problems:
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Abnormal Vessel Growth: VEGF promotes the growth of fragile, leaky blood vessels under the retina.
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Fluid Leakage: It also increases the permeability of existing vessels, causing fluid to leak into the macula, leading to swelling (edema).
By blocking VEGF, the injection helps to reverse these processes. It stops the growth of new vessels and reduces fluid leakage, thereby decreasing macular swelling and preserving the photoreceptor cells essential for central vision.
Anti-VEGF Injection Procedures
The procedure is a quick, outpatient treatment performed in a sterile clinic or operating room setting.
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Procedure Duration & Anesthesia
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The entire procedure is very brief, typically lasting only 5 to 10 minutes per eye. The actual injection takes just a few seconds. The eye is numbed with local anesthetic eye drops to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience.
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Pain During Surgery
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With the use of anesthetic eye drops, patients feel little to no pain. You may feel some mild pressure or a cold sensation on the surface of the eye, but the injection itself is usually not felt.
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Post-Surgery Vision & Precautions
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Vision: Your vision may be blurry or hazy for a few hours after the injection, but it should return to your baseline by the next day. You might also see small floaters, which are the air bubbles from the injection.
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Precautions: It is crucial to avoid rubbing your eyes and swimming for a period recommended by your doctor.
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Risks of Anti-VEGF Injection
Anti-VEGF injections have a very high safety record. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, though they are rare.
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Detailed Potential Risks
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Infection (Endophthalmitis): An extremely rare but serious complication. The risk is minimized through a sterile procedure.
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Vitreous Hemorrhage: Minor bleeding inside the eye can occur at the injection site. This typically resolves on its own.
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Retinal Detachment: An extremely rare risk where the retina separates from the back of the eye.
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Transient Increase in Eye Pressure (IOP): The injection volume can temporarily raise eye pressure, but this usually returns to normal within an hour.
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Inflammation: A sterile inflammatory response inside the eye can occur, which is managed with medication.
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Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: A small, harmless red spot on the white of the eye that can appear at the injection site and resolves on its own.
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Cost of Anti-VEGF Injection in Japan
The cost of anti-VEGF injections in Japan is generally an out-of-pocket expense for international patients and is not covered by Japan's public health insurance. The cost varies based on the specific medication used, the clinic, and the need for accompanying diagnostic tests.
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Estimated Costs Per One Injection.
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A single anti-VEGF injection in Japan typically ranges from approximately 200,000 to 300,000 JPY.
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(Approx: ~$1,280 - $1,920 USD / ¥9,200 - ¥13,800 CNY / ₱74,000 - ₱111,000 PHP / ₹106,000 - ₹159,000 INR / Rp20,800,000 - Rp31,200,000 IDR / ฿46,000 - ฿69,000 THB)
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Note: The exchange rates above are approximate and subject to daily fluctuations. The final cost will be paid in Japanese Yen.
Advantages of Anti-VEGF Injection in Japan
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Tailored Therapy by Retina Specialists
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Japanese retinal specialists are renowned for their meticulous approach. They develop a tailored, not a one-size-fits-all, treatment strategy for anti-VEGF therapy, which may involve:
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Optimizing Injection Frequency: Adjusting the treatment schedule based on your specific disease activity and response.
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Precise Diagnosis & Monitoring: Using advanced diagnostic tools like high-resolution OCT and OCT angiography to precisely monitor your condition.
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Combination Therapies: Considering anti-VEGF therapy as part of a broader treatment plan, including laser or surgery when appropriate.
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This personalized approach ensures that you receive the most effective and lasting outcome.
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Read Invited Expert Articles
Kobe iClinic
Dr. Daiki Sakai, MD
Our Medical Concierge Services
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What to Expect from Our Services
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We are your dedicated partner throughout your anti-VEGF intravitreal injection journey in Japan. Our physician-led team ensures every step is guided by expert medical understanding, from your initial consultation to destination choice.
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Service Flow
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Initial Review: Start by completing our secure inquiry form on this page. Tell us about your situation and what you seek from our expert doctors.
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Expert Match: Based on your condition and preferences, our physician-led team will precisely match you with ophthalmology experts from our exclusive network across Japan.
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Personalized Referrals: We'll propose suitable medical institutions for your treatment in Japan. Our goal is to connect you with the ideal specialist and facility, opening the door for you to experience professional Japanese ophthalmology.
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Service Fees
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Email Consultation for Expert Match and Personalized Referrals: Free of Charge
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