Intravitreal injections

What is an intravitreal injection?

An intravitreal injection is given through the white part of your eye into the jelly that fills the inside of your eye (known as vitreous). Special drugs injected into the vitreous spread to the retina (inner layer at the back of your eye) and other structures in your eye.

Why would I need an intravitreal injection?

The most common reason is for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. This is when the growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath of the macular (the part of your eye responsible for central vision) prevents your eye from functioning like it used to. This will lead to difficulty reading, colours appearing less vibrant and difficulty recognising people’s faces.

Injecting an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) into the jelly can help treat the condition by halting the growth of new blood vessels.

You will usually need a course of injections over a year or longer for the treatment to be effective.

What will happen during the operation?

The injection is usually performed under a local anaesthetic, which will be given as eye drops or a gel. The injection usually takes about 30 seconds.

Your surgeon will insert a fine needle through the white part of your eye (sclera) and inject the anti-VEGF into the jelly in the centre part of your eye.

It is normal for your eye to feel uncomfortable during the injection and for a number of hours afterwards.

Recovery

Your eye will feel uncomfortable but this usually settles within a few hours. You should be able to go home (with assistance) after about an hour. Most people will need a couple of days off work.

Do not partake in activities, such as swimming, that will expose your eye to infection, and avoid heavy lifting or bending so your head is below your waist.

Do not drive until you can read a number plate from 20.5 metres (67 feet). Be sure to check your insurance policy before driving.

Your consultant will tell you when you can return to normal activities.