Intravitreal Injection Procedure
Intravitreal Injection Procedure
Intravitreal injections are a type of procedure where medications are delivered directly into the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance inside the eye. This method is commonly used to treat a variety of retinal conditions that may cause vision loss.
What Is an Intravitreal Injection?
Purpose:
Deliver medication (such as anti-VEGF drugs, steroids, or antibiotics) directly into the eye to reduce swelling, slow disease progression, or manage infection.
Common Conditions Treated:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – especially the wet form
- Diabetic Macular Edema
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
- Inflammatory conditions such as uveitis
Retinal Care
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Retinal Detachment
- Retinal Vascular Occlusion
- Central Serous Retinopathy
- Age Related Macular Degeneration
- Macular Hole
- Epiretinal Membrane and Macular Pucker
- ROP
- Uveitis (Iridocyclitis, pars planitis, pan uveitis)
- Vitreo retinal surgery
- Retinal laser
- Intra vitreal injection
How the Procedure Works
Before the Injection:
Preparation:
Your eye doctor will review your medical history and explain the procedure. You may receive antiseptic eye drops to disinfect the eye and anesthetic drops to numb the injection site.
Positioning:
You will sit in a comfortable chair while the area around your eye is cleaned and sterilized.
During the Injection:
The Process:
A very fine needle is used to gently inject the medication into the vitreous. This procedure is typically done in a clinic or office setting.
Duration:
The actual injection takes only a few minutes.
After the Injection:
Immediate Post-Injection:
You might feel slight pressure or discomfort in your eye, which usually subsides quickly.
Post-Procedure Care:
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. You should avoid rubbing your eye and follow all provided care instructions.
Follow-Up:
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your eye’s response to the treatment. Depending on your condition, repeat injections might be recommended.
Benefits and Key Points
Direct Delivery:
Medication reaches the affected area quickly and directly.
Vision Preservation:
Regular injections can slow the progression of vision-threatening conditions.
Possible Side Effects
While intravitreal injections are generally safe, as with any procedure, there can be side effects:
- Mild discomfort, redness, or irritation at the injection site
- Temporary increase in eye pressure
- Rare risks include infection (endophthalmitis), bleeding, or retinal detachment
Will explain the risks and ensure you know what symptoms to watch for after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients feel minimal discomfort due to the numbing drops. You might experience a brief, mild pressure sensation.
Recovery is usually quick. You may experience slight blurred vision or discomfort for a few hours after the injection, but most return to normal activities the next day.
The frequency varies with your condition. Some conditions may require monthly injections, while others need less frequent treatment.
Avoid rubbing your eye, follow the prescribed eye drop regimen, and attend all follow-up appointments. Your doctor may advise avoiding certain strenuous activities for a short period.
Patient Guide Download
Want to read more? Download this trusted guide from the National Eye Institute:
Intravitreal Injection Procedure
Cystoid Macular Edema: Medication Injections
Retinal Care
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Retinal Detachment
- Retinal Vascular Occlusion
- Central Serous Retinopathy
- Age Related Macular Degeneration
- Macular Hole
- Epiretinal Membrane and Macular Pucker
- ROP
- Uveitis (Iridocyclitis, pars planitis, pan uveitis)
- Vitreo retinal surgery
- Retinal laser
- Intra vitreal injection