Ocriplasmin is a medicine given as an injection inside the eye to treat certain conditions like symptomatic vitreomacular traction and small macular holes.
| Drug class | Proteolytic Enzyme |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 0.125 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Jetrea (limited availability) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Ocriplasmin is used for
Ocriplasmin is a specialized medicine used to treat specific eye conditions that affect the macula, a crucial part of your retina responsible for sharp, central vision. When the vitreous gel inside your eye pulls on the macula, it can cause problems. Ocriplasmin helps to relieve this pull.
- Symptomatic vitreomacular traction
- Small macular holes
How it works
Your eye contains a jelly-like substance called the vitreous. Sometimes, this vitreous can stick to the macula, the central part of your retina, and pull on it. This pulling can distort your vision or even create a small hole in the macula. Ocriplasmin is a special enzyme that works by dissolving the attachment between the vitreous gel and the macula. By doing this, it helps to release the pull, allowing the macula to return to its normal position and potentially improving your vision.
How it’s used
Ocriplasmin is given as a single injection directly into your eye. This procedure is called an intravitreal injection. It must be performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. The doctor will prepare your eye with numbing drops and antiseptic before carefully administering the injection. You will receive detailed instructions from your doctor on what to expect during and after the procedure.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Jetrea (limited availability)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis). Not currently approved or routinely available in India — included for reference; ask your ophthalmologist about approved alternatives.
Precautions & side effects
While Ocriplasmin can be helpful for certain eye conditions, it is important to be aware of some precautions and potential effects:
- Selected Cases: This medicine works best in specific cases of symptomatic vitreomacular traction and small macular holes. Your retina specialist will determine if it is suitable for your condition.
- Transient Visual Disturbances: Some patients have reported temporary changes in their vision after the injection. These are usually not severe and tend to resolve over time.
- Serious Infection Risk (Endophthalmitis): As with any injection inside the eye, there is a small but serious risk of infection. It is crucial to seek help IMMEDIATELY if you experience increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision after the injection. These can be signs of a serious infection and require urgent medical attention.
- Availability in India: Please note that Ocriplasmin (Jetrea) has limited availability and is not currently approved or routinely available in India. It is included here for your reference. Your ophthalmologist can discuss approved and available alternatives that might be suitable for your treatment.
Understanding Vitreomacular Traction and Macular Holes
To understand why Ocriplasmin might be considered, it’s helpful to know a little about the conditions it treats. Inside your eye, there’s a clear, jelly-like substance called the vitreous. As we get older, this vitreous naturally starts to shrink and pull away from the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. This is usually a normal process and causes no problems.
However, sometimes the vitreous remains stubbornly attached to a small, critical area of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for your sharp, central vision, allowing you to read, recognise faces, and see fine details. When the vitreous pulls on the macula, it’s called ‘vitreomacular traction’ (VMT). This pulling can distort the macula, causing blurry vision, distorted images, or even a blind spot. If the pulling is strong enough, it can even create a small tear or hole in the macula, known as a ‘macular hole’. Both VMT and macular holes can significantly affect your central vision and quality of life.
Your ophthalmologist, especially a retina specialist, will use special imaging tests like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to accurately diagnose these conditions and determine their severity. Based on the diagnosis, they will discuss the best treatment options for you.
General Advice for Eye Injections and Follow-up Care
Ocriplasmin is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it’s administered directly into the vitreous of your eye. While the thought of an eye injection might sound daunting, it’s a very common and safe procedure when performed by an experienced retina specialist. Before the injection, your eye will be numbed with anaesthetic drops, and antiseptic solutions will be used to clean the area and minimise the risk of infection. You might feel a little pressure, but usually no pain during the injection itself.
After the injection, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort, redness, or a feeling of something in your eye. You might also see small floaters or air bubbles, which usually disappear within a few days. It is extremely important to follow all post-injection instructions given by your doctor. This might include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing your eye, and keeping your eye clean. Attending all your scheduled follow-up appointments is crucial so your doctor can monitor your eye’s healing and check for any potential complications.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
While serious complications are rare, it’s vital to be aware of the signs that require immediate medical attention after any eye injection. Your vision is precious, and prompt action can prevent serious harm. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your nearest eye emergency service IMMEDIATELY:
- Increasing Eye Pain: Any new or worsening pain in your eye that doesn’t subside.
- Significant Redness: A noticeable increase in the redness of your eye.
- Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): If light becomes very uncomfortable or painful for your eye.
- Drop in Vision: Any sudden or significant decrease in your vision.
These symptoms can be signs of a serious infection inside the eye, called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent treatment to save your vision. Do not delay in seeking help if you notice any of these warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ocriplasmin used for?
Ocriplasmin is used to treat specific eye conditions where the vitreous gel pulls on the macula, the central part of your retina. This includes symptomatic vitreomacular traction and small macular holes.
How does Ocriplasmin work?
Ocriplasmin is an enzyme that works by dissolving the attachment between the vitreous gel and the macula. By releasing this pull, it helps to relieve the traction on the macula and can help in treating the condition.
What are the common Indian brands for Ocriplasmin?
The brand name for Ocriplasmin is Jetrea, but it has limited availability and is not currently approved or routinely available in India. Your ophthalmologist can discuss approved alternatives that are available.
How is Ocriplasmin administered?
Ocriplasmin is given as a single injection directly into the eye. This procedure is called an intravitreal injection and must be performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting.
Do I need a prescription for Ocriplasmin?
Yes, Ocriplasmin is a prescription medicine and is for hospital use only. It must be administered by a retina specialist.
What precautions should I take with Ocriplasmin?
Ocriplasmin works in selected cases, and transient visual disturbances have been reported. Most importantly, after any injection inside the eye, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision, as these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis).
References
- Ocriplasmin Update: Safety, Efficacy, and Usage – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Efficacy and Safety of Ocriplasmin Use for Vitreomacular Adhesion and Its Predictive Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – PMC
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.