What Is an Intravitreal Injection?
An intravitreal injection is a medical procedure where a doctor injects medication directly into the gel-like vitreous inside the eye. This method ensures that the medicine reaches the retina with high precision.
The intravitreal injection’s meaning relates to targeted delivery for treating serious retinal conditions. It is considered an effective injection in the eye for vision improvement and is widely used as an injection for retinal diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic eye problems.
Why Do Doctors Recommend Intravitreal Injections?
Doctors recommend this treatment because of the many uses of intravitreal injections. It is often chosen when retinal diseases threaten vision, as it delivers medication exactly where it is needed. Understanding why intravitreal injections are given helps patients feel more confident about their treatment.
Common Eye Conditions Treated with Intravitreal Injections
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic macular oedema (DME)
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Uveitis
- Endophthalmitis
These conditions may require an intravitreal injection for AMD, an injection for diabetic retinopathy, or other retina injection treatment options.
Types of Intravitreal Injections and Medications Used
Different types of intravitreal injections are used depending on the eye condition.
- Anti-VEGF Medications: These control abnormal blood vessel growth in AMD and DME. Common anti-VEGF injection drugs include Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, and Aflibercept.
- Steroid Injections: Used to reduce inflammation and swelling. Popular steroid eye injection options include Triamcinolone and Dexamethasone implants.
- Antibiotic and Antifungal Injections: Given to treat or prevent infections such as endophthalmitis. These are essential retina injection drugs for urgent care.
How Is an Intravitreal Injection Performed? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
The intravitreal injection procedure is quick and completed in an outpatient clinic. Below is how it is done.
Step 1 – Eye Preparation
The doctor cleans the eye surface and applies anaesthetic drops to make the injection more comfortable.
Step 2 – Injection Administration
The injection is delivered through the sclera using a fine needle. This process ensures the medication reaches the vitreous and retina. Many patients describe it as a painless injection into the eye.
Step 3 – Post-Injection Care
Antibiotic drops are applied to reduce the risk of infection. Patients rest briefly before heading home. These standard intravitreal injection steps ensure safety throughout the eye injection procedure.
How to Prepare for an Intravitreal Injection
When preparing for an intravitreal injection, patients should inform their doctor of any current medications or allergies. Avoid eye makeup or contact lenses on the day of treatment and arrange transport home. These steps provide essential patient instructions and preparation for eye injection, supporting comfort and safety before the intravitreal injection.
What to Expect After an Intravitreal Injection
Most patients experience mild symptoms during recovery after an intravitreal injection. These usually settle within a day or two.
Normal Recovery Signs
It is common to experience temporary blurred vision or “floaters” (small dark spots) which are actually shadows cast by the medication or air bubbles moving through the vitreous. You may also notice mild tearing, a gritty “foreign body” sensation, or a bright red spot on the white of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage) where the needle entered.
These symptoms are generally harmless and should improve steadily over 24 to 48 hours without affecting your long-term results.
When to Call the Doctor
While complications are rare, certain symptoms require immediate medical evaluation. You should contact your doctor if you experience a sudden increase in pain, a significant decrease in vision, or a “curtain” falling over your field of view.
Additionally, look out for signs of a serious infection, such as worsening redness, discharge, or extreme sensitivity to light, which typically manifest within the first week after the procedure.
Benefits of Intravitreal Injections
Understanding the benefits of intravitreal injection helps patients appreciate why this treatment is widely recommended. Key advantages include:
- Direct delivery to the retina
- Faster improvement in symptoms
- Lower risk of systemic side effects
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Mild intravitreal injection side effects may occur, such as irritation or floaters. Other risks of eye injection include a temporary rise in eye pressure or, rarely, infection.
How Doctors Minimise Risks
Doctors reduce the complications of intravitreal injections by following strict sterile procedures, applying antibiotic drops, and scheduling follow-up visits. These steps help prevent eye injection infection and effectively manage side effects after eye injection.
How Often Do You Need Intravitreal Injections?
The frequency of intravitreal injections depends on the specific eye condition. AMD and DME often need injections every 4-8 weeks at the start. Over time, intervals may extend.
The number of intravitreal injections required varies based on response. Doctors develop a personalised retina injection schedule for each patient.
Living With Retinal Conditions After Injections
Many patients continue living actively after treatment. Living after intravitreal injection treatment involves routine monitoring and early reporting of any changes.
This supports long-term success and helps manage retinal disease. Regular follow-up and proper post-injection eye care are key to living with macular degeneration and other retinal conditions.
Conclusion
An intravitreal injection is a safe, precise treatment for many retinal diseases. It delivers medicine directly to the retina, helping preserve vision and preventing disease progression. Early treatment improves quality of life, and patients should consult an ophthalmologist promptly if symptoms arise.
