Intravitreal Injection Overview
Intravitreal injections are commonly used to treat various retinal diseases. Medication can be injected directly through the white part of the eye (sclera) and into the inside of the eye (vitreous) to help improve or stabilize vision. The procedure is performed in our offices with only local anesthesia. Injections may need to be repeated as frequently as once a month depending on the condition and the status of the retina.
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection
The most common medication used for intravitreal injections are the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) class of drugs. Anti-VEGF medications block the VEGF protein which is responsible for many of the potentially blinding conditions affecting the retina. Examples of Anti-VEGF medications we use are Lucentis (ranibizumab), Eylea (aflibercept), and Avastin (bevacizumab). Other medications that can be used to treat retinal conditions with intravitreal injections include steroids, antibiotics and antifungals.
What conditions are Intravitreal Injections used for?
Common conditions that require treatment with intravitreal injections include:
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Diabetic Macular Edema
- Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Macular Edema
What to Expect During Intravitreal Injection Procedure
Prior to all intravitreal injections, the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops to help minimize discomfort. Antiseptic solution is then used to sterilize the eye prior to the injection. Typically, patients feel pressure, with little or no pain during the injection.
Recovery After Intravitreal Injection
There are usually no restrictions following the injection apart from avoiding potential contamination of the eye on the day of the injection. Sometimes after an intravitreal injection, you may get the feeling that “something is in your eye”—this can be a reaction to povidone-iodine, which is used to clean the eye before the injection. Artificial tears can be used to help ease symptoms of dryness and surface irritation that is common on the day of the procedure.
Intravitreal Injection: FAQ
Prior to all intravitreal injections, the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops to help minimize discomfort. Antiseptic solution is then used to sterilize the eye prior to the injection. Typically, patients feel pressure, with little or no pain during the injection.
Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this very common question. Each eye condition is different and each eye is different and we treat each patient individually with a focus on giving the least number of eye injections without compromising or sacrificing vision.
Choose Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY for Injections in New York
At Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY, we are dedicated to providing exceptional retinal care to patients across the Greater NYC Metropolitan Area, including Queens and Manhattan, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester counties. For us, nothing is as important as your eyesight. Contact us with any questions, or schedule an appointment with VRC today.