Intravitreal Injections: What to Expect
An intravitreal injection is a procedure where anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medication is injected into the gel within the eye to treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Although the idea of a needle anywhere near the eye may be unsettling, injections are a common and effective treatment in the field of retina care. Plus, the procedure can be done in-office and doesn’t take longer than a half hour. The benefits of intravitreal injections, however, can last for months, if not years.
The Benefits of Intravitreal Injections
Anti-VEGF medications help slow the process of retinal neovascularization, which is when abnormal blood vessels begin to form in the retina. These abnormal blood vessels can leak, causing a variety of vision problems and distortions, such as the wet version of AMD. These medications help inhibit the proteins that trigger blood vessel growth. The most well-known anti-VEGF medications that are currently used to treat retinal and macular conditions include:
- Avastin (bevacizumab)
- Eylea (aflibercept)
- Lucentis (ranibizumab)
- Beovu (brolucizumab-dbll)
These medications perform similarly and have been successfully used to preserve and improve vision for many patients.
The Injection Process
The needle used for intravitreal injections is small and thin. Your retina specialist begins the process by putting drops in your eyes to prevent infection and numb them. Then, they’ll administer the medication to the eye. Some patients report feeling pressure, but overall, the process is quick and painless.
After the doctor completes the injection, they’ll clean your eyes with an antiseptic and confirm there aren't any complications. Your vision will temporarily be affected by the injections, so you’ll need someone to drive you home from your appointment. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor treatment results and administer more injections if necessary.
Consult a Retina Specialist Today
Intravitreal injections can prevent vision loss and protect your retinas from damage. It’s more than understandable to be wary about an injection to the eye, but the procedure is relatively quick and painless, especially when done by an experienced retina specialist. At the Retina Group of Florida, our expert team specializes in top-rated retina care, including providing intravitreal injections. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.