Intravitreal injection is a procedure where medicines are injected directly into the jelly-like material inside your eye known as the vitreous.
Why are these injections given?
Intravitreal injections are a common method to treat retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, macular oedema, and vein occlusions.
How is the procedure performed?
This procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will first numb your eye with anaesthetic drops. Special instruments will be used to keep your eye open. Your eye will then be washed with an antiseptic solution. Depending on your condition, your doctor will then inject the appropriate medication directly into the vitreous of your eye. Your doctor will then check your eye and apply antibiotic ointment to prevent any infection. Some patients may need to have the procedure repeated at regular intervals in order to maintain good vision.
What will I experience following the procedure?
It is quite normal to feel pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure. Some patients may see floaters or develop bleeding or inflammation on the surface of your eye. These side effects may resolve spontaneously and can be managed easily using eye drops. However, some of the less common and more severe complications include retinal tear/detachment, bleeding in the eye, infection and formation of cataract.