Intravitreal Injections
A common in-office procedure to deliver medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. Used to treat AMD, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and other conditions.
Procedure Image Area
Intravitreal injection procedure — image area
What Are Intravitreal Injections?
An intravitreal injection places medication directly into the vitreous cavity — the space at the back of the eye filled with jelly-like fluid called the vitreous humor. This route delivers high drug concentrations exactly where they are needed, with minimal systemic exposure.
The procedure is performed by a trained retina specialist in an office setting and takes about 10–15 minutes from preparation to completion.
Conditions Treated
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Macular edema from various causes
- Intraocular infections (endophthalmitis)
Types of Medication
Anti-VEGF Agents
Aflibercept (Eylea), ranibizumab (Lucentis), bevacizumab (Avastin), faricimab (Vabysmo) — block abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.
Corticosteroids
Triamcinolone, dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex), fluocinolone implant (Iluvien) — reduce inflammation and persistent macular edema.
Antibiotics / Antivirals
Used to treat serious intraocular infections such as endophthalmitis or viral retinitis.
What to Expect
Before
Your eye is numbed with anesthetic drops or gel. The area around the eye is cleaned with a povidone-iodine antiseptic solution. A small eyelid speculum is placed to keep the eye open.
During
You will feel pressure, but typically little or no pain. The injection itself takes only a few seconds. You may briefly see a flash of light or a shadow — this is normal and temporary.
After
Most patients return home the same day. You may notice mild redness, grittiness, or floaters for a day or two. Follow your doctor's aftercare instructions carefully.
Recovery and Aftercare
Normal After an Injection
- •Slight redness at the injection site (resolves within a few days)
- •Minor irritation or the sensation of something in the eye
- •Floaters or a small bubble in vision that clears on its own
- •Most normal activities can resume the following day
Contact Your Doctor Promptly If You Notice
- •Worsening eye pain or pressure
- •Sudden increase in floaters after the first day
- •Increased sensitivity to light
- •Decreased or worsening vision
- •Signs of infection: redness, discharge, swelling