Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This condition can lead to a gradual loss of central vision, which is necessary for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. There are different forms of AMD, but certain treatments can help manage the condition and preserve sight. One primary treatment involves eye injections, which offer a routine way to improve certain eye conditions. Here’s information on intravitreal eye injections and what to expect from treatments:
What Are Intravitreal Injections?
Intravitreal injections are a procedure where medication is delivered directly into the vitreous cavity, the substance that fills the inside of the eye. This method allows the medication to act directly on the retina at the back of the eye. By delivering the treatment locally, physicians can use smaller, more concentrated doses of medicine than would be possible if administered orally or through an IV.
How These Injections Work
The medications in these injections work by targeting specific factors that contribute to the progression of certain retinal conditions. Eye injections utilize anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, as they help stabilize vision and improve sight for many individuals. For wet AMD, these drugs help to reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels and decrease leakage and swelling in the macula.
What Conditions They Improve
While commonly associated with the “wet” form of age-related macular degeneration, intravitreal injections are used to treat several other retinal conditions. These eye conditions include:
- Diabetic Eye Disease: Specifically, diabetic macular edema, where fluid accumulates in the macula.
- Retinal Vascular Occlusion: A blockage in the small veins that carry blood away from the retina.
What Is a Session Like?
The prospect of an injection into the eye can seem intimidating, but this procedure is quick and performed with your comfort in mind. Before the injection, the eye and the surrounding area are thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection. Anesthetic eye drops or gels are then administered to completely numb the surface of the eye, so the injection itself should not be painful. A small device may be used to gently hold your eyelids open during the procedure.
After your eye is numb, the physician performs the injection after having you look in a certain direction. The entire process typically follows these steps:
- Your eye is numbed with anesthetic drops.
- The eye surface is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- The medication is injected into the vitreous with a very fine needle.
- Your eye is assessed, and antibiotic drops may be applied.
Many patients may feel a slight pressure sensation but not sharp pain, and the entire appointment is usually brief.
What Are the Possible Risks?
Intravitreal eye injections are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, they carry some potential risks. Serious complications are uncommon with these injections. Patients might experience temporary floaters, a feeling of grittiness, or see a small spot in their vision. It is also possible to have minor bleeding on the white of the eye at the injection site.
More serious but rare risks include infection, increased eye pressure, or retinal detachment. Some research suggests that serial intravitreal injections may contribute to dry eye symptoms over time, which is why you should discuss any discomfort with your ophthalmologist during follow-up visits. To prepare for recovery, your doctor will provide specific post-procedure instructions, and you should follow them carefully to support healing.
Learn More About Eye Injections
Eye injections have become a standard of care for managing certain retinal diseases and preserving vision. If you have a condition like AMD, understanding the available treatment options is a key step in condition management. Discussing the benefits and risks of injections with an eye care professional can help you make informed treatment decisions. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before establishing a provider; schedule an appointment today.
