An intravitreal injection is a procedure, in which a medication is directly injected in the back of the eye, known as the vitreous cavity. It’s commonly used for retinal conditions like aged related macular degeneration (AMD) diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. This procedure is safe, quick, and routinely performed by ophthalmologists specialized in retina, there is nothing to worry about. Doctify helps patients connect with trusted ophthalmologists for specialised eye care.
Why intravitreal injections are needed
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition where the cells in one of the layers of the macula are gradually lost and vision starts to deteriorate – the macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp and central vision. On the other hand, diabetes can also affect vision because it weakens the blood vessels in the retina and as the blood vessels are being damaged, they will begin to leak fluid, causing swelling of the macula, called diabetic macular edema. These conditions gradually will affect the vision in different ways, such as: blurriness, distortion, difficulty reading, straight lines appearing wavy, among others.
These conditions can improve with the help of the intravitreal injection. Delivering medication directly into the vitreous is more effective than topical or oral treatments, since injecting the medication will have more effectiveness and faster results. The intravitreal injection is safe, its main goal is to reduce swelling, prevent further damage, and preserve vision.
What happens before the injection
Before the procedure some things should be done. First, an initial eye assessment and retinal imaging (OCT scans). Afterwards, the ophthalmologist will review medical history to ensure suitability for treatment. As well, the specialist will give a detailed explanation of the medication being used: anti-VEGF, steroid, or antibiotic depending on condition. Later on, the patient will get applied topical anesthetic drops to numb the eye. Last but not least, the patient will get antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce infection risk.
Step-by-step: What to expect during the procedure
- First of all, your eyes will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- Then, a small lid speculum will be placed to keep the eye open.
- Later the injection itself: it is a quick, pressure-like sensation lasting only a second or two.
Patients should focus on looking straight ahead or at a fixed point in order to get better and safer results.
Is the injection painful?
Most patients don’t feel pain, they just feel a mild pressure rather than pain and this is due to the anesthetic. Some patients may feel slight stinging from antiseptic solutions, not from the needle.
Remember, the procedure is safe and is designed to be as comfortable as possible.
Immediate aftercare and what you may notice
These are the normal symptoms and what you will expect after the procedure. You may notice a mild blurriness or watery eyes for a few hours. Also, small floaters or air bubbles may appear but they will disappear within 24–48 hours. If a slight eye irritation appears, it is normal, occasionated from the antiseptic drops.
Red flags that require urgent medical attention
Nevertheless, here are the red flags that if they appear, you will require urgent medical attention:
- Increasing eye redness or pain.
- Sudden loss of vision.
- Increasing floaters or flashes.
These may indicate rare but serious complications such as infection (endophthalmitis) or other.
How often injections are needed
The treatment schedules of the injections for AMD and diabetic macular edema could be a monthly or treat-and-extend approach, it depends on your ophthalmologist’s decision. Consistent treatment helps maintain long-term visual outcomes.
Tips to make treatment more comfortable
Below are some tips in order to have a more comfortable treatment and recovery:
- Relaxation techniques before the appointment is crucial.
- Explore the ophthalmologist available through Doctify and create a bond between the doctor and the patient.
- Avoid rubbing the eye after the procedure.
- Plan transport and bring a companion, vision could be blurry immediately after the procedure.
How Doctify can help
We invite patients to explore verified reviews of ophthalmologists and retina specialists before scheduling a consult, this can gain confidence and in the future create a bond between the doctor and the patient. Doctify is a great resource for finding experienced clinicians offering intravitreal injection services.
Conclusion
Intravitreal injections are a proven, effective way to protect vision. It is very important to attend to follow-up appointments and monitor changes in vision, in order to get better and long-lasting results in your vision.
We invite readers to reach out to a trusted eye specialist through Doctify for guidance and ongoing care.
Find the right specialist for you. Doctify uses verified reviews so you can make the best decision for your healthcare.
Feel free to consult an ophthalmologist through Doctify for personalised advice whenever you want, we will be happy to help you! Find the best ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom or search for the best specialists globally:
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Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 02/12/2025
