Eye Injections for Retinal Disease

Intravitreal eye injections are among the most effective treatments for several retinal diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and other causes of retinal swelling or abnormal blood vessel growth. Although the idea of an eye injection may sound intimidating, most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the procedure is.

Intravitreal injections, commonly called eye injections, deliver medication directly into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye. This allows the medicine to reach the retina quickly and effectively.

The retina is the thin layer of nerve tissue at the back of the eye that captures light and sends signals to the brain so we can see. The center of the retina, called the macula, is especially important for reading, recognizing faces, and detailed vision. When retinal disease affects the macula, vision can become blurry, distorted, or dark. Eye injections are one of the most common treatments our retina specialists use to protect and, in many cases, restore that vision.

Our retina specialists commonly recommend intravitreal injections for conditions that cause swelling, abnormal blood vessel growth, bleeding, or inflammation in the retina, including:

• Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD)
• Diabetic macular edema
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal vein occlusion
• Macular edema from a variety of causes
• Geographic atrophy from dry age-related macular degeneration
• Certain inflammatory eye diseases such as uveitis

See our full list of conditions we treat.

Before your injection, your eye is carefully cleaned to reduce the risk of infection, and numbing drops or anesthetic are applied for comfort. A small device may gently hold the eyelids open during treatment.

During the injection, most patients feel pressure or slight discomfort rather than pain. The injection itself takes only a few seconds, although your visit will usually last longer because imaging and evaluation are often performed the same day.

After your injection, it is normal to experience mild irritation, redness, tearing, or a temporary feeling that something is in the eye. Some patients notice floaters or a small air bubble in their vision for a short time. Most people return to normal activities the same day. Your vision may be temporarily blurry from dilation, the antiseptic solution, or irritation, so consider arranging transportation for your first injection or if both eyes are treated.

Because retinal diseases often change over time, many patients need repeat injections to keep their condition under control. Your retina specialist may recommend monthly visits at first, then adjust your schedule based on how your retina responds. OCT imaging is available at every location to monitor swelling and determine when additional treatment is needed.

Complications are uncommon, but call our office immediately if you develop worsening pain, increasing redness, severe light sensitivity, sudden vision loss, or a large increase in floaters after an injection. These can be signs of infection or other rare complications that need prompt attention.

The medication used depends on your specific condition, how your retina responds to treatment, and your overall health. Our physicians have access to the full range of injectable therapies and will recommend the option that is right for you.

• Anti-VEGF medications, including Avastin, Eylea, Eylea HD, Vabysmo, Lucentis, and Beovu, reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in conditions such as wet AMD, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion
• Steroid medications, including Ozurdex, Kenalog/Triesence, and Yutiq, help reduce inflammation and swelling
• Complement inhibitors, including Syfovre and Izervay, are used to slow the progression of geographic atrophy in dry AMD

Not every medication is appropriate for every patient. Your retina specialist will discuss which treatment is best suited to your diagnosis and treatment goals.

Learn more about anti-VEGF injections.

If you have been diagnosed with a retinal condition or referred for eye injections, call (414) 774-3484 or request an appointment at any of our Southeastern Wisconsin locations.