Understanding Intravitreal Injections: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Retinal Diseases

Being told you need an intravitreal injection can be unsettling. Many patients feel anxious or worried at first and that’s completely normal. The idea of an injection in the eye sounds intimidating, but the reality is quite different from what most people imagine. The goal of this article is to help you understand what intravitreal injections are, why they’re used, and why there’s no need to be afraid.

Learn more: : https://www.barraquer.com/en-uae/news/understanding-intravitreal-injection

What Are Intravitreal Injections and Why Are They Used?

Intravitreal injections are a common and safe procedure used to treat a variety of eye conditions that affect the retina, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and other inflammatory or infectious diseases. These conditions can threaten your vision if left untreated, but intravitreal injections deliver medication directly to the back of the eye, where it’s needed most. This targeted approach allows the treatment to be more effective than pills or eye drops.

The Procedure: Quick, Painless, and Precise

The procedure itself is quick and usually painless. Before the injection, your eye will be numbed using special anesthetic drops. You won’t feel the needle itself just some pressure, if anything at all. The area is cleaned thoroughly to prevent infection, and the actual injection takes just a few seconds. Most patients are surprised at how easy and fast it is.

Aftercare and Expected Side Effects

After the injection, you may experience slight irritation, a feeling like there’s something in your eye, or see small floaters. These side effects are temporary and usually disappear within a day or two. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eye and what to watch for in the rare event of a complication.

Long-Term Benefits and Vision Preservation

It’s important to remember that these injections are done to preserve your vision. Many patients have experienced significant improvement or stabilization of their sight thanks to this treatment. The earlier the condition is treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Communication and Reassurance from Your Doctor

If you’re still feeling nervous, talk openly with your eye doctor. They understand your concerns and are there to support you. Millions of intravitreal injections are safely performed worldwide each year, and patient comfort is always a top priority.

Conclusion: A Positive Step for Your Eye Health

In short, while the thought of an eye injection can be frightening, the procedure itself is gentle, fast, and highly effective. You’re in good hands and you’re taking the right step to protect your vision.

About the Author

Dr. Elisa Carreras is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, with over 17 years of experience in retinal care for adults and children.

She specializes in surgical and medical retina, having completed a vitreoretinal fellowship at Oxford University. Dr. Carreras is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) and the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO, FEBOS-R), and has been part of the Barraquer team since 2008.