Intravitreal Injection (eye) Therapeutic Procedure

An intravitreal injection is a shot of medicine into the vitreous, the clear gel inside the eye.

Intravitreal Injection (eye) procedure illustration

Overview

An intravitreal injection is a shot of medicine into the vitreous, the clear gel inside the eye. The eye is numbed and cleaned, and a very thin needle places the medicine near the retina. This treatment is used to deliver drugs directly where they are needed for certain eye diseases. Common medicines include anti-VEGF drugs that block abnormal blood vessels, steroids to reduce swelling, and antibiotics or antifungals to treat infections.

Overview Preparation Clinical Info Recovery FAQ References

Also known as: Eye injection, Intravitreal eye injection, Anti-VEGF eye injection

Recovery
0–3 days
Return to Work
0–1 days

Preparation & Next Steps

Everything you need to know before and after your procedure

Before Care

  • Bring a list of your current medicines, supplements, and allergies
  • Plan your transportation in case your vision is blurry from dilating drops
  • Bring sunglasses for light sensitivity after dilation
  • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes before the visit so the area stays clean
  • Arrive a bit early to review consent forms and ask questions about the medicine and schedule
  • Tell the clinic ahead of time if you have eye redness, discharge, or feel unwell
  • Confirm any clinic instructions about eating, drinking, or routine medicines on the day
  • Check your follow-up schedule so you can plan for possible repeat injections

After Care

  • Expect mild irritation, tearing, or a gritty feeling for a day or two
  • Do not rub or press on the treated eye
  • Use preservative-free artificial tears if your eye feels dry or irritated
  • Vision may be blurry the day of the injection; wait for it to clear before driving or using machines
  • Keep hands clean before touching your eyelids or lashes
  • Follow any drop or ointment instructions provided by the clinic
  • Monitor for severe eye pain, a big drop in vision, many new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow over your vision and contact the clinic if these occur
  • Attend scheduled follow-up visits and bring notes on any changes you noticed

Clinical Information

Important medical details about this procedure

Indications

  • Wet age-related macular degeneration
  • Diabetic macular edema or diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinal vein occlusion with macular edema
  • Infections inside the eye such as endophthalmitis
  • Inflammatory conditions of the eye requiring local steroid

Alternatives

  • Observation with monitoring when appropriate
  • Laser treatments such as focal or grid laser
  • Photodynamic therapy for selected retinal conditions
  • Systemic or periocular medicines for inflammation or infection
  • Vitrectomy surgery in certain complex cases

Risks

  • Infection inside the eye
  • Bleeding on the surface of the eye or inside the eye
  • Temporary increase in eye pressure
  • Retinal tear or detachment
  • Cataract progression
  • Eye pain, redness, irritation, or floaters
  • Temporary blurry vision

Contraindications

  • Active infection in or around the eye
  • Known allergy to the planned medicine or antiseptic used
  • Relative cautions such as recent major cardiovascular events for some medicines
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations for certain drugs

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery

Most people resume normal activities the same day or the next day. Minor irritation and blur usually improve within a couple of days.

Typical Range

0–3 days

Return to Work

0–1 days

Recovery Milestones

Day 0

Leave clinic and rest; avoid rubbing the eye

Day 0–1

Resume light activities as vision clears

Day 1–3

Irritation and small floaters typically lessen

Day 1

Follow the planned schedule for any repeat injections

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and expert answers about this procedure

What happens during an intravitreal injection?

Your eye is numbed, the surface is cleaned with antiseptic, a small device may keep the lids open, and a very fine needle places medicine into the vitreous. The shot takes seconds.

Does the injection hurt?

You may feel brief pressure or a pinch. Numbing drops and gel are used to reduce discomfort.

How often will I need injections?

It depends on the condition and response. Many people start with monthly injections and then extend the time between visits if the eye stays stable.

Can I drive after the injection?

Many people have blurry vision for several hours from drops or the injection. Wait until your vision is clear before driving, and consider arranging a ride.

What medicines are used?

Common options include anti-VEGF drugs for abnormal blood vessels and swelling, steroids for inflammation or edema, and antibiotics or antifungals for infection.

What are possible side effects?

Temporary blur, irritation, redness, small floaters, or a tiny spot of blood on the white of the eye are common and usually short-lived.

Can both eyes be treated the same day?

Some clinics treat both eyes in separate, sterile steps during the same visit. Policies vary by practice and condition.

How long is the visit?

The injection itself is quick, but the full visit often takes less than an hour including check-in, dilation, consent, and pressure checks.