Injection Aftercare
What to expect and how to care for your eye after intravitreal injections.
Immediately After the Injection
The injection itself takes only seconds, but plan to be at the office for about 10-15 minutes total. After the injection:
- • The eye will be cleaned and rinsed
- • Your vision may be blurry from the antiseptic or tears
- • You may feel a mild burning sensation
- • You can usually go home the same day
Normal Symptoms After Injection
These symptoms are normal and usually resolve within a few days:
Small Red Spot
Subconjunctival hemorrhage at injection site - like a bruise on the eye
Mild Irritation
Feeling like something is in your eye
Minor Floaters
Temporary floaters from the antiseptic solution
Blurry Vision
Usually clears within a few hours
Caring for Your Eye
Avoid touching or rubbing your eye
You can usually resume normal activities
Use as directed by your doctor
Can help with dryness or irritation (use sterile, single-use drops)
What to Avoid
- • Swimming or hot tubs for 24 hours
- • Rubbing your eye
- • Getting makeup or contaminants in the eye
- • Driving if vision is blurry
When to Call Your Doctor
While complications from injections are rare, contact your retina specialist immediately if you experience:
Warning Signs
- • Eye pain or significant discomfort
- • Increased floaters after the first day
- • Increased sensitivity to light
- • Decreased or worsening vision
- • Swelling, redness, or discharge
- • Any signs of infection
Rare Complications
- • Endophthalmitis - infection inside the eye (very rare)
- • Vitreous hemorrhage - bleeding into the vitreous
- • Retinal detachment - very rare after injections
Your doctor will check your eye pressure after the injection. Temporary pressure elevation is normal.
Follow-Up Schedule
After your injection, your retina specialist will schedule follow-up visits based on your condition:
- • Typically every 4-6 weeks for ongoing treatment
- • OCT scans may be done to monitor response
- • The treatment schedule varies by condition and response
- • Some conditions require long-term, regular injections
Remember: The effects of anti-VEGF treatment are temporary, so consistent follow-up is important for maintaining vision.