If your eye care specialist has recommended an intravitreal injection, you likely have questions. Understanding this common procedure can help ease any concerns. At Retina and Vitreous Surgeons of Utah, we believe in clear patient education. This blog post will demystify intravitreal injections, explaining the what and why so you can feel more informed about your retinal health.
What is an Intravitreal Injection?
An intravitreal injection is a precise medical procedure where medication is delivered directly into the vitreous cavity of your eye. This cavity, located behind your lens and in front of your retina, is filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous humor.
Why this direct approach? Injecting medication into the vitreous allows for a high concentration of the drug to reach the retina and other structures at the back of the eye. This targeted delivery is often more effective for retinal diseases than oral medications or topical eye drops, which may not adequately reach the site of the problem. It also helps minimize potential side effects throughout the body. This minimally invasive technique has become a standard and vital treatment for many retinal conditions.
Conditions Treated: Why Are Intravitreal Injections Necessary?
Intravitreal injections are a versatile tool, fundamentally changing how we manage several sight-threatening retinal diseases. The medications administered typically fall into a few key categories:
Anti-VEGF Medications:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a protein that, in certain eye conditions, can trigger the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels. These are problematic in diseases like wet macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF drugs inhibit this protein, reducing swelling and preventing further vessel growth.
Corticosteroids:
These potent anti-inflammatory drugs treat retinal conditions involving swelling or inflammation, such as macular edema from various causes or uveitis.
Antibiotics, Antivirals, or Antifungals:
In cases of serious eye infections like endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye) or certain types of retinitis, direct injection of these antimicrobial medications is crucial for effective treatment.
What Do Intravitreal Injections Treat?
- Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth under the macula, causing leakage and central vision loss. Anti-VEGF injections are a primary therapy.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes where retinal blood vessels are damaged, leading to leakage, swelling (macular edema), or the growth of new, fragile vessels.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): A blockage in a retinal vein can cause fluid to leak into the retina, resulting in macular edema and vision impairment.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea (the eye’s middle layer). Posterior uveitis, affecting the back of the eye, may be treated with steroid injections.
- Cystoid Macular Edema (CME): Macular swelling due to various causes, including surgery or inflammation.
The Patient Journey: What to Expect
The idea of an eye injection can be unnerving, but the process is designed to be as quick and comfortable as possible.
Before Receiving Intravitreal Injections:
- Your ophthalmologist at Retina and Vitreous Surgeons of Utah will explain the procedure, the medication, benefits, and potential risks. This is your opportunity to ask questions.
- Provide a complete medical history, including all medications and allergies.
- You might be given antibiotic eye drops to use for a few days prior.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home, as your vision may be temporarily blurred.
During the Procedure (typically 10-15 minutes):
- Your eye and the surrounding skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic (often povidone-iodine) to prevent infection.
- Anesthetic drops will be applied to thoroughly numb your eye. Some doctors might use a small numbing injection.
- An eyelid speculum, a small device, will gently hold your eyelids open, preventing blinking.
- You’ll be asked to look in a specific direction. The specialist will then administer the medication through the sclera (the white part of the eye) with a very fine needle. Most patients feel slight pressure but not pain.
- Afterward, the speculum is removed, and your eye pressure might be checked.
After Receiving Intravitreal Injections:
Common Sensations: Mild scratchiness, soreness, redness, or a small blood spot on the white of your eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is harmless and fades) are common. You might see floaters (the medication or tiny air bubbles) that usually resolve within a few days. Vision can be blurry initially.
Aftercare:
- Use prescribed antibiotic eye drops.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Preservative-free artificial tears (from a new bottle) can soothe irritation.
- Avoid swimming and getting non-sterile water in your eye for a few days.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on resuming eye makeup or contact lens wear.
Follow-Up: An appointment will be scheduled, usually in 4-6 weeks, to assess your eye and plan further treatment if needed. The number of injections varies widely based on the condition and individual response.
Understanding Potential Side Effects of Intravitreal Injections
Intravitreal injections are generally safe, and serious complications are rare. Most side effects are mild and temporary.
Serious, but uncommon, risks include:
- Endophthalmitis: A severe infection inside the eye. Symptoms are significant pain, redness, discharge, light sensitivity, and decreased vision. This requires immediate medical attention. The risk is minimized by strict sterile techniques.
- Intraocular inflammation
- Retinal detachment
- Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye)
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- Cataract progression (more common with repeated steroid injections)
Contact your ophthalmologist without delay if you experience: worsening eye pain, significantly increased redness or swelling, eye discharge, heightened light sensitivity, or a sudden decline in vision or an increase in floaters/flashes.
The Importance of Experienced Professionals
The safety and success of intravitreal injections heavily depend on the skill and experience of the administering ophthalmologist and the adherence to strict sterile protocols.
At Retina and Vitreous Surgeons of Utah, our team consists of board-certified, fellowship-trained retinal specialists with extensive expertise in performing these injections. We are dedicated to utilizing the most advanced diagnostic tools and treatment techniques to manage a wide spectrum of retinal diseases. We prioritize patient safety and comfort, ensuring you receive the highest quality care in a supportive environment. We understand the concerns associated with eye treatments and are committed to providing clear explanations and personalized care plans.
If an intravitreal injection has been recommended for you, or if you have concerns about your retinal health, please schedule a consultation with us. We are here to answer your questions and provide the expert care your vision deserves.