Eye Injection

What is an eye injection?

An eye injection, also known as an intraocular or intravitreal injection, refers to a medical procedure where a medication is delivered directly into the eye.  These injections are typically administered to treat various eye conditions that affect the retina.  There are several classes of medications that can be delivered this way, and they are typically more effective than when used topically (eye drops) or systemically (by mouth) because they are able to directly treat the source of the problem.  Such medicines may improve your vision or reduce the risk of vision loss.  Most people who need injections are anxious the first time and it is normal to feel this way.  If you need this treatment, it can be very effective, and Dr. Brader will help you to feel comfortable and at ease.

Which conditions can eye injections treat?

Eye injections might be used to treat the following conditions:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic macular edema
• Retinal vein occlusion 
• Uveitis or inflammation
• Cystoid macular edema
• New abnormal blood vessel growth

Which medications are used for eye injections?

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications help to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage from damaged blood vessels.  This class of medication is used in Wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other conditions where blood vessels are damaged, leaking, or growing abnormally.  These medications include Avastin (bevacizumab), Lucentis (ranibizumab), Eylea (aflibercept), Beovu (brolicizumab), and Vabysmo (faricimab), which is a combination drug.

Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation and are often used to treat various forms of uveitis (ocular inflammation) and macular edema. These medications include Kenalog, Triescence, or Xipere (triamcinolone), and Ozurdex (dexamethasone).

Complement inhibitors help to prevent damage from an inappropriately overactive immune system response that can otherwise cause damage to the retina.  There are two novel complement inhibitors that were approved in 2023 for the treatment of the advanced dry form of macular degeneration called Geographic Atrophy (GA).  These medications include Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) and Syfovre (pegcetacoplan).

Antibiotics help to fight serious infection in the eye (endophthalmitis) and include Vancomycin, Ceftazidime, and many others.

Do I need an eye injection?

If you need an eye injection, it can be very effective at preventing or minimizing vision loss.  In some cases, it can even partially or fully restore your vision.  To determine if eye injections are needed, Dr. Brader reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and completes a comprehensive eye exam and vision testing. She uses additional diagnostic tests and advanced imaging to diagnose your condition, develop a treatment plan, and she always takes the time to let you know what to expect during the injections and make you feel comfortable. 

What should I expect during and after an eye injection?

Before an eye injection, Dr. Brader numbs the surface of your eye with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.  The procedure is very quick, and you have minimal restrictions in your activity afterwards. Common side effects after eye injections are temporary eye irritation, temporary floaters in your vision, and occasionally a small bruise at the site, which does not harm the eye.  Complications after eye injections are rare, but contact Dr. Brader if you develop pain, vision changes, new floaters, or light sensitivity. Patients who receive eye injections require regular follow up appointment to monitor their condition and determine the need for additional injections or alternate treatments.  If you need these sight-saving injections, it is important to keep your follow up appointments and stay on schedule for your treatments to have the best outcome.

Schedule an eye exam at Main Line Retina by phone or online today to help improve or maintain your vision.