Intravitreal Injection

Intravitreal injection is an increasingly used method for treating retinal diseases because it provides good treatment results. Injecting medication into the vitreous helps reduce retinal swelling and inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

Retinal Diseases Treatable with Intravitreal Injection

• Age-related macular degeneration with submacular hemorrhage
• Macular edema from diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion, abnormal retinal blood vessels
• Abnormal new blood vessels under the retina
• Infections in the vitreous and retina

Symptoms of Retinal Diseases

• Blurred vision, distorted images
• Color distortion

Precautions During Intravitreal Injection

• Measure vision, eye pressure, and dilate the pupil of the eye to be injected
• Before the injection, anesthetic drops will be applied to the eye to be injected, followed by an injection into the white part of the eye
• Lie still on the bed to apply 5% povidone-iodine eye drops
• Follow the doctor’s instructions to move the eye and then hold the gaze
• The doctor will inject a small amount of medication (0.05-0.1 ml) into the vitreous using a sterile technique
• During the injection, keep the eye as still as possible and avoid moving it
• After the injection, the eye will be covered, and it can be uncovered once you return home

Post-Injection Care

• Avoid rubbing the eye and keep water out of the eye for about 3 days
• Strictly follow the doctor’s instructions for applying antibiotic eye drops
• Use a clean cloth soaked in boiled water to clean the face instead of washing it
• Minor side effects may include eye irritation, redness from broken capillaries under the conjunctiva, seeing floating spots due to medication residue, or slight vision abnormalities in some cases. These symptoms usually resolve within 1-2 weeks after the injection

Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention After Intravitreal Injection

• Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or green discharge
• Fever, cough
• Light sensitivity, worsening vision