Intravitreal Injections: Overview

Intravitreal injections are a common procedure used to slow or prevent progression of sight-threatening retinal conditions. It involves administering a medication into the vitreous, the jelly-like structure that fills the middle of the eye. This allows the medication to be placed much closer to where the condition is occurring, while decreasing the risk of side effects. Intravitreal injections are typically performed in your doctor's office. Once the eyes are dilated and examined, the actual procedure takes very little time. You will lie face up in a comfortable position and your eyes and eyelids will be sterilized and numbed with drops. Your doctor will then use a device to separate your eyelids and keep your eyes open. During the injection, you may feel some slight pressure on the eye, but you should not experience any pain. After the procedure, the doctor will check the eye and may administer eye drops to help prevent dryness. Some patients may notice the appearance of floaters after the procedure, but these usually disappear after several days. Depending on your condition, injections may be administered as frequently as every month to attain the best results. Intravitreal injections help manage serious retinal conditions and provide the best outlook for your vision. Talk to us today if you have any questions about this treatment!