Eye injections: what to expect before, during and after treatment

What is an eye injection?

An intravitreal injection places medicine into the gel-filled space toward the back of the eye. It is commonly performed in an office setting. Different medicines treat different conditions, so ask which medicine you are receiving and what it is intended to do. ¹.

Anti-VEGF medicines are one example. They block a protein involved in abnormal blood-vessel growth and leakage and may be used for wet age-related macular degeneration or certain diabetes-related retinal problems. Not every eye injection is an anti-VEGF treatment. ².

Before your appointment

Tell your care team about your health conditions, allergies and all medicines you take, including nonprescription products. Discuss any bleeding concerns and ask whether you need to do anything differently before the appointment. ³.

Bring your questions, especially if you are worried about discomfort or have difficulty following eye-drop instructions. Ask about transportation arrangements in advance rather than assuming you will be able to drive afterward. Your own clinician’s instructions should guide your preparation and aftercare.

During the procedure

The team applies numbing medicine and cleans the eye to reduce the risk of infection. An eyelid holder may help keep the eye open. The medicine is then delivered through a very small needle.

Some people notice pressure. Experiences vary, so tell the team if you are uncomfortable. Your clinician may check eye pressure afterward, particularly when pressure monitoring is important for your situation. ¹.

Afterward: what to watch for

Temporary irritation or small floating bubbles can occur after an injection. Treatment does not change vision immediately. ².

A small red spot on the white of the eye may also appear. Although serious complications are uncommon, possible problems include infection, inflammation, bleeding inside the eye and retinal detachment. ¹.

Avoid rubbing the treated eye. Follow your clinic’s instructions about drops, swimming, eye makeup and other activities rather than using another person’s recovery timetable. ³.

Symptoms that need prompt attention

Contact your treating eye clinic right away for worsening pain or vision after an injection. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. ².

Also contact your clinic right away for increasing redness, light sensitivity, a sudden increase in floaters or other concerning vision changes. Before leaving, make sure you know how to obtain urgent advice outside office hours. ³. ¹.

Why follow-up matters

Many retinal conditions need repeated treatment. The number of injections and time between visits depend on the condition, medicine and response. Some people eventually need treatment less often; others need ongoing injections. An unchanged day-to-day view does not tell you whether treatment can safely stop. Discuss the plan with your clinician. ².

Useful questions to bring:

• What is the goal of this treatment for my eye?
• What should I expect today and tomorrow?
• Which symptoms should make me call immediately?
• When is my next examination or treatment?

Follow the instructions given by your treating eye-care team. This article provides general education, not a personal treatment plan.