Intravitreal injections (IVIs) have improved our ability to treat retinal conditions. But we know what you’re thinking, “Injections in the eye? No way!” Though the idea might seem a little scary, we’re here to help you understand that it’s a safe and effective treatment option that has helped countless patients maintain their vision.
What Are Intravitreal Injections?
Intravitreal injections deliver medication gently into the vitreous, the jelly-like substance in the middle of your eye. This approach places medication precisely where it’s needed, enhancing effectiveness beyond what eye drops or oral treatments can achieve. As a result, up to 90% of patients experience vision stabilization.
The procedure is now the gold standard for treating many retinal diseases, with over 7 million injections administered in the United States each year. Most patients find it surprising how quick and relatively comfortable this outpatient procedure actually is.
Common Conditions Treated via Intravitreal Injections in Sun City, AZ
Our Arizona retinal specialists use intravitreal drug delivery to manage the following diseases:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
The most common condition we treat with intravitreal injections is wet AMD. These injections help stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels that can damage your central vision. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), regular treatment improves vision in 1 out of 3 people and stabilizes vision for 9 out of 10 AMD patients.
The medications used, known as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), have transformed AMD from a condition that inevitably led to vision loss into one that’s manageable with proper treatment and monitoring.
Diabetic Retinopathy
For patients with diabetes, these injections can reduce swelling in the retina and slow down the progression of diabetic eye disease. Recent research also shows that the treatment cuts the risk of developing vision-threatening consequences by 75% after two years in people with diabetic retinopathy.
Regular treatment, combined with good blood sugar control, ensures the best outcomes for protecting your vision. Many of our own diabetic patients have maintained their ability to drive, read, and perform detailed work through consistent intravitreal injections in Phoenix, Arizona.
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
When retinal veins become blocked and cause swelling and bleeding in the retina, intravitreal drug delivery can minimize swelling and preserve vision. Clinical trials have shown impressive vision improvement in patients, and the results highlight how effective targeted treatments can be for retinal health.
RVO may develop suddenly and lead to severe complications like bleeding. Our clinic prioritizes urgent appointments for patients with new-onset retinal vein occlusion to ensure timely care and favorable outcomes.
Intravitreal Injection Treatment Process
Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
Minutes Before Your Injection
15 to 20 minutes of your time is all we need, though the injection itself is very quick. We begin by cleaning your eye, applying numbing drops for comfort, and then adding antiseptic drops to prevent infection. We will then place a small eyelid holder (a speculum) to keep your eye open during the procedure. Don’t worry; our staff members will guide you through the steps, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Please be reminded that you will need someone to drive you home since the procedure will affect your vision.
During the Injection
The injection takes only a few seconds. You’ll be asked to look in a specific direction, and our specialist will use an ultra-thin needle to deliver the medication. Most patients report feeling a slight pressure rather than pain. Our team uses the latest techniques to keep you at ease throughout the procedure. We understand that the thought of an eye injection can be anxiety-provoking, so we take extra care to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
After Treatment
Following the injection, we will clean your eye with antiseptic and check for any complications. You may notice a few floating spots, which are normal and temporary. The medication may also increase your eye pressure, but it will decrease over the next few hours. We’ll book a follow-up appointment to monitor your results and continue treatment if needed.
After Leaving Our Clinic
After an intravitreal injection, mild tearing and slight soreness are common the next day. Some patients also feel as though there’s debris in the eye, usually due to the cleaning solution, which is normal.
On occasion, a small spot of blood may appear on the eye’s surface where the needle entered. This minor subconjunctival hemorrhage is painless and should heal within a week.
Most patients return to their normal activities the next day, though we recommend avoiding swimming or wearing eye makeup for a day or so. We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions and emergency contact information. While most patients experience no complications, we’re always available if you have concerns.
Treatment Frequency and Monitoring
The number of injections you need will depend on your condition and how well you respond. Treatments start with monthly sessions. Once your condition stabilizes, we may extend the time between treatments based on your progress. Some patients need ongoing maintenance, while others require fewer sessions over time. We will monitor your eye health with advanced imaging technology and adjust the schedule to suit your needs.
Safety and Side Effects
Intravitreal injections have an excellent safety profile. Side effects are minimal and include temporary eye redness, mild discomfort, and a small surface blood spot that resolves on its own.
If you’re worried about complications, a study of 45,000 eyes revealed that the possibility is less than 2%, with 74% of all complications being minor and not needing medical attention.
While rare, treatment-related issues like eye infections (1 in 3,000 cases) can occur, which is why we meticulously monitor each patient and provide clear instructions for post-injection care. Our clinic’s infection rate is also well below the national average thanks to our rigorous sterility protocols, meaning your health and well-being are in safe, clean hands.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you experience any of these issues after treatment:
- Sudden low vision
- Severe pain in or around the eye
- Swelling or discharge from the eye
- Flashes of light
- Sensitivity to light
If you have questions about intravitreal injections or would like to schedule an appointment, you can reach us at 623-474-3937.
