What is an Intravitreal Eye Injection?

An intravitreal eye injection is a minimally invasive procedure where medication is injected directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. The vitreous cavity is the jelly-like substance located at the back of the eye. By administering medication directly into this part of the eye, it ensures that the medicine can act more effectively in treating retinal diseases.

The medications used in intravitreal injections typically belong to classes like anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs, corticosteroids, or antibiotics, intravitreal eye injection Hervey Bay depending on the condition being treated. Anti-VEGF drugs are the most common and are used to stop abnormal blood vessels from growing or leaking, which can occur in diseases like wet macular degeneration.

Conditions Treated with Intravitreal Eye Injections

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Wet AMD is a chronic eye disease that causes blurred vision or blind spots due to abnormal blood vessels leaking or growing under the retina. Anti-VEGF drugs injected directly into the eye can reduce this leakage and slow disease progression.

Diabetic Retinopathy: This condition results from damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes. Left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Intravitreal injections are used to reduce inflammation and block the growth of new abnormal vessels in the retina.

Retinal Vein Occlusion: When a vein in the retina becomes blocked, it can cause sudden loss of vision due to fluid buildup. Intravitreal injections help manage the swelling and prevent further vision loss.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Although the thought of receiving an injection in the eye can be intimidating, the procedure is relatively quick and typically pain-free. Before the injection, the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops to minimize discomfort. The eye and surrounding area are cleaned to prevent infection, and a small device may be used to keep the eyelids open during the procedure.

The injection itself takes only a few seconds, and patients usually feel pressure rather than pain. Following the injection, patients may be asked to stay for a short period to ensure there are no immediate side effects.

Benefits of Intravitreal Eye Injections

The primary benefit of intravitreal injections is the potential to preserve and sometimes even improve vision. For many eye conditions, especially wet AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion, this treatment can slow or stop disease progression. Without treatment, Corneal collagen crosslinking Hervey Bay these conditions can lead to significant vision loss or blindness.

Risks and Side Effects

While intravitreal eye injections are generally safe, they do come with some risks. The most common side effects include redness, mild irritation, and temporary blurring of vision. More serious but rare risks include infection, retinal detachment, or increased eye pressure.

It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions for aftercare, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, using prescribed eye drops, and attending follow-up appointments.

Aftercare and Recovery

After the procedure, patients are usually advised to rest and avoid activities that could strain the eye for at least a day. Some patients experience floaters, mild discomfort, or blurred vision for a short time after the injection. In most cases, these symptoms resolve on their own. However, if you notice any severe pain, persistent floaters, or vision loss, it’s crucial to contact your eye care professional immediately.

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