Intravitreal Injection

What Is an Intravitreal Injection?

This procedure involves administering therapeutic agents directly into the eye’s vitreous cavity to address retinal pathology. By delivering medication in this manner, the treatment reaches retinal tissue with optimal therapeutic effect.

Anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) agents represent the primary medications employed through this route, functioning to inhibit pathological neovascularisation and vascular leakage.

What Conditions Are Treated With Intravitreal Injections?

Intravitreal injection therapy may be considered for various retinal conditions, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration (wet form)
• Diabetic macular oedema
• Macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion
• Selected other retinal vascular pathologies

Treatment initiation follows comprehensive dilated fundus examination and multimodal imaging evaluation, including optical coherence tomography (OCT).

How Is an Intravitreal Injection Performed?

Preparation

The ocular surface undergoes antiseptic preparation, and topical anaesthetic agents are instilled prior to the procedure. These measures reduce discomfort during the injection phase.

Administration

A micro-gauge needle is used to introduce the therapeutic agent through the sclera into the vitreous space. The procedure concludes within several minutes and takes place in a sterile clinical environment under appropriate conditions.

Post-Procedure Check

Brief post-injection examination is performed, following which the patient typically returns home the same day.

What Is the Treatment Protocol for Intravitreal Injections?

Treatment intervals are determined by the underlying diagnosis and individual treatment response patterns. Initial protocols frequently incorporate monthly injections; as the condition stabilises, the physician may gradually extend the interval between administrations. Ongoing evaluation utilises serial dilated examinations and imaging modalities to monitor therapeutic progress.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After an Intravitreal Injection?

• Mild conjunctival injection, epiphora, or mild discomfort typically occurs and resolves within a brief period
• Prescribed lubricating drops should be used as directed
• The eye should be protected from water exposure and direct manipulation for a specified duration
• Return to routine activities generally occurs without delay

What Are the Risks of an Intravitreal Injection?

Intravitreal injection is regarded as a relatively low-risk procedure; however, potential adverse events, though uncommon, may include:

• Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection) — an uncommon but serious complication requiring immediate intervention
• Transient elevation in intraocular pressure
• Intraocular haemorrhage
• Retinal detachment — exceptionally rare

Immediate medical evaluation is warranted if acute severe ocular pain, significant vision reduction, progressive conjunctival injection, or photophobia develops following the procedure.

What Should Be Considered After an Intravitreal Injection?

• Adherence to scheduled follow-up examinations is essential for evaluating therapeutic response
• Post-injection symptoms including discomfort, conjunctival changes, or visual disturbances warrant careful observation
• Compliance with the prescribed treatment schedule assists in maintaining disease control

Comprehensive clinical assessment by an ophthalmologist is recommended to discuss intravitreal injection therapy and its suitability in individual circumstances.