Intravitreal Injections

An intravitreal injection is a minimally invasive ophthalmic procedure performed by an ophthalmologist, usually a retinal specialist. After the eye is numbed and disinfected, a very fine needle is used to deliver medication into the vitreous cavity.

Depending on the underlying condition, medications may include:

• Anti-VEGF medications: Help reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.

• Corticosteroids: May reduce retinal inflammation and swelling in selected conditions.

• Other specialized medications: May be used for specific retinal or inflammatory disorders based on the ophthalmologist's assessment.

The number and frequency of injections vary according to the diagnosis, medication used, response to treatment, and findings during follow-up examinations.

Conditions That May Require Intravitreal Injections

Intravitreal injections may be used to manage:

• Diabetic macular edema

• Diabetic retinopathy with retinal swelling or abnormal blood vessels

• Wet age-related macular degeneration

• Macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion

• Retinal vein occlusion

• Choroidal neovascularization

• Myopic macular neovascularization

• Certain inflammatory eye conditions

• Selected cases of retinal swelling following eye surgery

• Other retinal conditions requiring localized medication

The appropriate medication depends on the specific retinal diagnosis and the patient's individual eye condition.

Retinal conditions treated with intravitreal injections may cause:

• Blurred or reduced vision

• Distorted or wavy vision

• Difficulty reading

• Dark or missing areas in central vision

• Difficulty seeing fine details

• Changes in visual clarity

• Sudden changes in vision in some retinal vascular conditions

Possible underlying causes include:

• Diabetes

• Age-related retinal changes

• Abnormal retinal blood vessels

• Retinal vein blockage

• Severe or high myopia

• Inflammatory eye diseases

• Other conditions affecting the retina and its blood vessels

Some retinal diseases may progress before significant symptoms become noticeable, making regular eye examinations important for people at increased risk.

Before treatment, the ophthalmologist may perform:

• Comprehensive eye examination

• Visual acuity testing

• Dilated retinal examination

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

• Fundus photography

• Fluorescein angiography when indicated

• OCT angiography in selected cases

• Additional tests based on the suspected retinal condition

During the procedure:

1. The eye is examined and cleaned using sterile technique.

2. Local anesthetic drops or another form of local anesthesia are used to minimize discomfort.

3. The medication is injected into the vitreous cavity using a very fine needle.

4. The eye may be examined after the injection.

5. Follow-up is scheduled to assess the response and determine whether additional injections are needed.

Many chronic retinal conditions require a series of injections rather than a single treatment.

Benefits of Intravitreal Injections

Depending on the underlying condition and medication used, intravitreal injections may help:

• Reduce retinal swelling

• Decrease leakage from abnormal blood vessels

• Control abnormal blood vessel growth

• Stabilize vision

• Improve vision in some patients

• Reduce the risk of further retinal damage in selected conditions

• Deliver medication directly to the affected area of the eye

Treatment response varies between patients, and ongoing injections may be required for chronic retinal diseases.

Recovery & Follow-Up

Intravitreal injections are generally performed as an outpatient procedure, and most patients can return home shortly afterward.

Temporary effects may include:

• Mild eye irritation

• Foreign-body sensation

• Mild redness

• A small blood spot on the white part of the eye

• Temporary blurred vision

• Mild sensitivity after the procedure

Patients should follow their ophthalmologist's instructions regarding eye drops and post-injection care.

Severe eye pain, marked redness, significant worsening of vision, increased sensitivity to light, or new floaters or flashes after an injection requires prompt medical assessment because these symptoms can indicate a serious complication.

Regular follow-up and retinal imaging are important to determine the response to treatment and whether additional injections are required.

Is Intravitreal Injection Treatment Suitable for Everyone?

Intravitreal injections are not appropriate for every eye condition. Suitability depends on:

• The underlying retinal diagnosis

• Location and severity of retinal changes

• Degree of vision impairment

• OCT and other imaging findings

• Previous treatments and response

• General and ocular health

• Presence of infection or inflammation

• Medication-specific risks and contraindications

A retinal specialist should evaluate the eye and determine whether intravitreal treatment is appropriate and which medication is most suitable.