Post-Op Questions: Intravitreal Injections

Reasons for Intravitreal Injections

Intravitreal injections are commonly given to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and sometimes other conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or vein occlusion.

Will there be any pain after the injection?

Your eye may be irritated and feel scratchy for up to 24 hours after the injection. This is usually due to the combination of betadine solution, an antiseptic given at the time of the injection and the lidocaine given to numb the eye prior to the injection. An ointment is usually given after the injection to prevent infection and make the eye more comfortable. The eye may also be patched for a few hours after the injection.

Will my eye look any different?

There may be a small spot of blood on the white part of your eye where the injection is given. Don’t worry about this. It will be gone in a few days.

What will my vision be like after the injection?

Of course, your vision will be blurred immediately after the injection. This is because of the dilation, injection itself, and the ointment used after the injection. Within a few hours your vision should be better and should be back to the way it was before the injection by the next day.

What should I be worried about?

If there is severe pain, call your doctor. If the vision becomes progressively more blurred, call your doctor. If you notice a marked increase in floaters, call your doctor.

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