Intravitreal Injections
In-office anti-VEGF and steroid therapy performed daily.
Intravitreal injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous cavity, right next to the retina. They are the cornerstone of modern medical retina care.
What to expect on injection day
Arrive with a clean, make-up-free face. Numbing drops are instilled, the eye is prepared with povidone-iodine, and the medication is delivered in under a minute. You may resume normal activities the same evening.
What are intra-vitreal injections?
A tiny, thin needle (30G) delivers a controlled dose of medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This is the most effective way to treat wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, RVO-related oedema and several other retinal diseases. The vitreous acts as a slow-release reservoir; a single injection provides therapy for 1-4 months depending on the molecule used.
How the injection procedure works
1. You are seated in a reclining chair. The eye is anaesthetised with strong numbing drops. 2. The eye and lids are cleaned with sterile povidone-iodine. 3. A tiny speculum keeps the eye gently open - this is the most 'sensation' part. 4. The medication is injected through the pars plana in under 3 seconds. 5. You may see floaters or a red spot briefly - this is normal and resolves within 24 hours. 6. Antibiotic drops for 3-5 days. Total chair time: 8-10 minutes. Actual injection time: 3 seconds.
Molecules we use - differences and choices
Ranibizumab - the original anti-VEGF, safety-tested since 2006. Bevacizumab - off-label, low-cost, effective, widely used. Aflibercept - dual VEGF-A/B and PlGF blockade, extends dosing intervals. Faricimab - bispecific, blocks VEGF-A and Ang-2, up to 4-monthly dosing in stable patients. Brolucizumab - highly concentrated, longer duration in some patients. Choice is personalised based on diagnosis, prior response, insurance coverage and budget.
Safety and complications
Serious complications occur in less than 0.1% of injections when WHO sterile protocols are followed. The most feared is endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye) - around 1 in 3,000. That is why we insist on strict sterile technique and a 24-hour helpline for any post-injection redness, pain or vision drop.
Frequently Asked
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