Montefiore Einstein offers the following content courtesy of the National Library of Medicine.
What Are Intravitreal Injections?
An intravitreal injection is a shot of medicine into the eye. The inside of the eye is filled with a jelly-like fluid (vitreous). During this procedure, your healthcare provider (usually an ophthalmologist) injects medicine into the vitreous, near the retina at the back of the eye. The medicine can treat certain eye problems and help protect your vision. This method is most often used to get a higher level of medicine to the retina.
Why Are Intravitreal Injections Performed?
You may have this procedure if you have:
- Macular degeneration: an eye disorder that slowly destroys sharp, central vision
- Macular edema: swelling or thickening of the macula, the part of your eye that provides sharp, central vision
- Diabetic retinopathy: a complication of diabetes, which can cause new, abnormal blood vessels to grow in the retina, the back part of your eye
- Uveitis: swelling and inflammation within the eyeball
- Retinal vein occlusion: a blockage of the veins that carry blood away from the retina and out of the eye
- Endophthalmitis: an infection in the inside of the eye
What Are the Risks of Intravitreal Injections?
Side effects are rare, and many can be managed. They may include:
- Bleeding
- Damage to the retina or surrounding nerves or structures
- Floaters
- Increased pressure in the eye
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Loss of the eye (very rare)
- Scratched cornea
- Vision loss
Discuss the risks for specific medicines used in your eye with your provider.
Before the Procedure
Before undergoing intravitreal injections, tell your provider about:
- Any allergies
- Any bleeding tendencies
- Any health problems
- Medicines you take, including any over-the-counter medicines
After the Procedure
Following the procedure:
- You may feel a few sensations in the eye such as pressure and grittiness, but there should not be pain.
- There may be a little bleeding on the white of the eye. This is normal and will go away.
- You may see eye floaters in your vision. They will improve over time.
- DO NOT rub your eyes for several days.
- Avoid swimming for at least three days.
- Use eye drops as directed.
Report any eye pain or discomfort, redness, sensitivity to light or changes in your vision to your provider right away.