A Safe and Effective Way to Protect Your Vision

Hearing that you need an injection in your eye can sound frightening. The good news is that these treatments are one of the most effective ways we have to prevent vision loss and, in many cases, improve vision.  At Retina & Macular Disease Specialists, we perform eye injections every day. The procedure is quick, carefully performed, and designed to be as comfortable as possible.

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Why Do I Need an Intravitreal Injection?

Some eye diseases cause abnormal blood vessels to grow or leak fluid or blood into the retina. This swelling or bleeding can damage your vision if left untreated.

Intravitreal injections deliver medication directly to the retina where it can work most effectively to save your vision. Intravitreal injections are commonly used to treat:

  • Age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD)
  • Diabetic macular edema
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinal vein occlusions
  • Other conditions that cause swelling or abnormal blood vessel growth

How Does the Medication Work?

Most medications block a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).  VEGF is a natural substance in the body, but when too much is present, it can cause:

  • Leaky blood vessels
  • Swelling in the retina
  • Growth of abnormal blood vessels
  • Bleeding

Blocking VEGF helps reduce swelling, slow disease progression, and protect your vision.

Some newer medications work in slightly different ways, but they all share the same goal—keeping your retina as healthy as possible.

What Happens During the Injection?

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Your vision and eye pressure will be checked.
  2. Numbing drops and pledgets are placed so you remain comfortable.
  3. Your eye is cleaned carefully to reduce the risk of infection.
  4. The medication is injected into the eye. The injection itself usually takes only a few seconds.

Most patients say they feel pressure rather than pain.

Will It Hurt?

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

Because your eye is thoroughly numbed beforehand, most people experience little discomfort during the injection. You may notice:

  • Mild pressure
  • A brief pinch
  • Temporary irritation afterward

Patients often tell us the experience is much easier than they expected.

How Often Will I Need Injections?

Every patient is different.  Some people need monthly injections while other patients can gradually extend the time between treatments as their condition improves.  Our goal is to use the fewest injections needed while getting you the best vision possible for you.  We will monitor your retina with examinations and imaging at each visit to determine the best treatment schedule for you.

Our Approach

At Retina & Macular Disease Specialists, we understand that receiving an eye injection can be stressful, especially the first time.  We take time to explain your condition, answer your questions, and make every treatment as comfortable as possible. Our goal is not only to protect your vision but also to ensure you feel informed and cared for every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive home after my injection?

Most patients can. however your vision may be temporarily blurry from the examination or dilating drops so you may prefer to have someone drive you the first time.

Will I need injections forever?

Some retinal diseases require long-term treatment while others improve enough that injections become less frequent or stop. We tailor treatment to your individual needs.

Can I wear my contact lenses afterward?

We generally recommend leaving contact lenses out for the rest of the day and resuming them the following day unless we advise otherwise.

Can I exercise after my injection?

Most normal activities, including walking and light exercise, can be resumed the same day. If you have specific concerns, we can discuss them with you.