Understanding eye injections

A simple injection that saves sight.

Intravitreal injections deliver medication directly into the back of your eye to treat conditions like wet AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. They sound scary. They're actually quick — and transformative.

What's happening

Medicine, delivered exactly where it's needed.

For retinal diseases, medication taken by mouth or IV barely reaches the back of the eye. Injecting directly into the vitreous gel delivers a concentrated dose to the exact tissue that needs it.

We use tiny needles, thorough numbing, and sterile technique. The whole thing takes seconds. Most patients feel pressure, not pain. Vision typically stabilizes or improves within weeks of starting treatment.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Step 01

Numbing

Drops and sometimes a gel. Thorough numbing — this is the most important step.

Step 02

Antiseptic prep

Betadine cleanse prevents infection. It stings briefly.

Step 03

The injection

Quick and precise. Fraction of a second. You may see a flash or wave — normal.

After

Monitoring

Rinse, rest briefly, then home. Mild irritation for a day is normal.

Call us within hours if

You develop worsening pain, redness, vision loss, or light sensitivity in the days after injection. Early infection is rare but very treatable if caught quickly.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

Will I see the needle?+

No. We numb the eye thoroughly, and your head is positioned so the injection approaches from the side — completely out of your line of sight. Most patients never see it coming.

Does it hurt?+

Pressure, mostly. The numbing drops and gel work well. A brief pinch is possible but typically mild. Patients often say "I can't believe that was it."

How often will I need these?+

Depends on your condition and how you respond. Wet AMD often starts monthly, then stretches to every 8–12 weeks. DME varies. We extend the interval as long as the eye stays stable.

Are there side effects?+

Mild irritation or red eye for a day or two is common. Rare but serious: infection (about 1 in 5000), increased eye pressure, or retinal detachment. We monitor all of these.

Will my vision improve?+

Often yes — especially with wet AMD and macular edema. The goal is always to preserve vision, but many patients gain vision they thought was lost.