Eye injection (intravitreal injection)
intravitreal injection · eye injection · anti-VEGF injection · injection for macular degeneration
The doctor injects medicine into the eye with a very fine needle. The eye is numbed with drops first.
For some retina conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or retina changes from diabetes.
⏱ Duration: the injection itself takes a few seconds, the whole visit usually 20 to 40 minutes; often a course of injections is needed
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Medicines. Do not stop your regular medicines on your own. Ask your doctor.
- Makeup. Come without eye or face makeup.
- Getting there. You cannot drive after the injection. Come with someone.
What to bring
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
- Someone to take you home
- Sunglasses
How it goes
- The eye is numbed with drops
- The skin around the eye and the eye are cleaned with antiseptic
- A small clip holds your eyelids open so you do not blink
- You are asked to look to the side
- The doctor gives the injection. It takes a few seconds
- The eye is cleaned again, and vision and pressure are checked
What you'll feel
- You feel pressure, but usually no pain
- The antiseptic may sting
- Afterward, a gritty feeling, sometimes spots or bubbles in your vision
Afterwards
- Do not rub your eye or get it wet in the first days, as your doctor says
- A small red spot on the white of the eye usually goes away on its own in 1 to 2 weeks
- Use eye drops after the injection as prescribed
- Come for your next injections on schedule
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Pain or redness gets worse, or vision drops sharply in the first days: see an eye doctor urgently
- Pus coming from the eye: see an eye doctor urgently
Common questions
Does it hurt a lot?
Usually not. The eye is numbed, and the injection takes seconds.
How many injections will I need?
Often a course, then maintenance injections. Your doctor will set the schedule.
Will I see the needle?
You usually see only a blurry spot. You need to look to the side.