top of page

Intravitreal Injection

An injection directly into the vitreous cavity allowing for a higher concentration of medicine to reach the retina and other structures in the eye.

Intravitreal injection
Intravitreal injection

A close up of a woman's blue eye looking to the side with a piece of hair partially covering it.

Overview of Procedure 


An intravitreal injection involves injecting medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye, which is filled with a jelly-like substance called the vitreous humor. This method allows for a higher concentration of medication to reach the retina and other structures at the back of the eye.


The procedure is performed in a healthcare provider's office and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. After dilating the pupil and cleaning the eye and eyelids, the provider will administer numbing drops to minimize discomfort. A small device will be used to hold the eyelids open during the injection. While the patient looks away, the medication is injected into the eye using a small needle. Antibiotic drops may be applied following the injection.


Patients may experience mild pressure or grittiness in the eye after the procedure, but there should be no significant pain. Some minor bleeding on the white of the eye and floaters in the vision are normal and will resolve over time. Complications are rare but may include increased eye pressure, inflammation, infection, or damage to the retina or surrounding structures.


Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure, but should avoid rubbing the eyes for several days and swimming for at least three days. Follow-up appointments and additional injections may be necessary depending on the condition being treated.

Overview of Procedure 


An intravitreal injection involves injecting medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye, which is filled with a jelly-like substance called the vitreous humor. This method allows for a higher concentration of medication to reach the retina and other structures at the back of the eye.


The procedure is performed in a healthcare provider's office and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. After dilating the pupil and cleaning the eye and eyelids, the provider will administer numbing drops to minimize discomfort. A small device will be used to hold the eyelids open during the injection. While the patient looks away, the medication is injected into the eye using a small needle. Antibiotic drops may be applied following the injection.


Patients may experience mild pressure or grittiness in the eye after the procedure, but there should be no significant pain. Some minor bleeding on the white of the eye and floaters in the vision are normal and will resolve over time. Complications are rare but may include increased eye pressure, inflammation, infection, or damage to the retina or surrounding structures.


Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure, but should avoid rubbing the eyes for several days and swimming for at least three days. Follow-up appointments and additional injections may be necessary depending on the condition being treated.

Overview of Procedure 


An intravitreal injection involves injecting medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye, which is filled with a jelly-like substance called the vitreous humor. This method allows for a higher concentration of medication to reach the retina and other structures at the back of the eye.


The procedure is performed in a healthcare provider's office and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. After dilating the pupil and cleaning the eye and eyelids, the provider will administer numbing drops to minimize discomfort. A small device will be used to hold the eyelids open during the injection. While the patient looks away, the medication is injected into the eye using a small needle. Antibiotic drops may be applied following the injection.


Patients may experience mild pressure or grittiness in the eye after the procedure, but there should be no significant pain. Some minor bleeding on the white of the eye and floaters in the vision are normal and will resolve over time. Complications are rare but may include increased eye pressure, inflammation, infection, or damage to the retina or surrounding structures.


Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure, but should avoid rubbing the eyes for several days and swimming for at least three days. Follow-up appointments and additional injections may be necessary depending on the condition being treated.

Related News Articles

Intra-anterior chamber injection of ranibizumab a potentially relatively safe treatment for advanced pediatric vitreoretinal diseases

Anti-VEGF injections and long term visual acuity improvement in Wet AMD

bottom of page