For many eye conditions, medication injected directly into the eye helps manage vision loss and disease progression. This approach, called intravitreal injection, places medicine in the gel-like substance inside the eye. If you or a loved one has been recommended injections for eye disease, understanding how these medications target the eye may bring reassurance to your treatment process. Here is more information on the science behind eye injections:
Intravitreal Injections
Intravitreal injections involve placing medication directly into the vitreous, a clear, jelly-like fluid that fills most of the eye’s center. This method delivers drugs exactly where they are intended to act, which may increase their effectiveness in treating certain eye diseases. Doctors use sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection during the procedure. You might feel pressure or a quick pinch, but numbing drops help reduce discomfort. Usually, these injections occur in an ophthalmologist’s office.
Direct Eye Injections
Ophthalmologists often select this approach because, when medications are given as eye drops or pills, they may not reach high enough concentrations in the back of the eye. With injections, medicine is delivered directly to problem areas, such as the retina or macula. This method makes sure that treatment is both targeted and effective, minimizing exposure to the rest of the body.
Anti-VEGF Injections
One of the most common medications delivered through intravitreal injections is anti-VEGF. These drugs target a protein called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which is involved in creating new blood vessels. Too much VEGF activity can lead to unwanted blood vessel growth and fluid leaks in the retina.
Anti-VEGF medications are designed to block VEGF action. Patients receiving anti-VEGF injections often have age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Scientists have learned that reducing VEGF’s effect may help control vision changes associated with these diseases.
Other Types of Eye Injection Medications
Beyond anti-VEGF drugs, other medications are sometimes injected for eye diseases. Steroids may be used to reduce inflammation for conditions like uveitis or certain forms of macular edema. Antibiotic and antiviral medicines could also be administered via injection if an eye infection poses a serious threat to vision. Some newer treatments focus on targeting immune responses or using gene therapies. Research in these areas is ongoing, and the availability of such options will depend on diagnosis and individual response.
What to Expect Before, During, and After
Before eye injections, your doctor will use numbing drops and may clean the area to minimize the risk of infection. You’ll sit comfortably for the procedure, which is often quick. Afterward, expect some mild discomfort, floating spots, or mild redness. These symptoms usually pass within a day or two. It’s always a good idea to monitor your vision after the injection and report any pain, vision loss, or persistent redness to your ophthalmologist.
Ask Your Ophthalmologist About Eye Injections
Understanding the science behind eye injection medications helps you work with your care team and follow your treatment plan. While the idea of receiving medication directly in the eye might seem overwhelming, these injections play a significant role in preserving vision for many patients. If you have questions, talk openly with your ophthalmology team so you feel informed and supported at every step.