Macular Degeneration: Intravitreal Injections

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• An intravitreal injection is a procedure to inject medicine into the inside of the eyeball to treat some kinds of wet, age-related macular degeneration.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

________________________________________________________________________

What is an intravitreal injection?

An intravitreal injection is a procedure where special medicine is injected into the inside of the eyeball. This procedure treats some kinds of wet, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and similar conditions.

AMD is a disease that damages the macula in the eye. The macula is in the center of the retina. The retina is the lining at the back of the eye that senses light coming into the eye. The macula allows you to see fine details in the center of your field of vision.

There are two forms of AMD:

• The dry form of AMD causes a slow breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the retina. Dry AMD tends to progress slowly, and may not greatly affect vision, unless it affects cells in the center of your vision.
• The wet form happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels leak blood and fluid and can cause scarring. Vision loss from wet AMD can happen quickly.

When is it used?

Intravitreal injection may be used to treat some kinds of wet AMD. The special medicine can shrink the abnormal blood vessels when injected into the eye. The injections may need to be repeated every 4 to 8 weeks.

Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Plan for your care and a ride home after the procedure.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Do not wear eye makeup on the day of the surgery.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

This procedure can be done in your provider’s office or at a hospital.

The provider numbs your eye with special eye drops or ointment. Your eyelids are held open with a small device called a speculum. You may feel pressure during the injection but you should not feel sharp pain. The injection is very quick. After the injection, your provider may check to make sure the pressure in your eye does not get too high.

What happens after the procedure?

Usually you will have a follow-up appointment for an exam a month or more after the injection. Most people need several injections over time. Your provider will determine how many treatments you should have.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid
• How to take care of yourself at home and when you can return to your normal activities
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• There is a risk of infection in the eye for the first few weeks after injection. Infection is very rare, but can lead to severe vision loss. Symptoms include decreased or loss of vision, pain, severe sensitivity to light, and redness of the eye.
• There is also a risk of a retinal tear or detachment after an injection. Symptoms include flashing lights or floaters, decreased or loss of vision, or a shadow or curtain in your vision.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.