Intravitreal Injection is an injection of a drug group called anti-VEGF into the vitreous humor, which is a widely accepted and commonly used method for treating various retinal diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, macular edema from retinal vein occlusion, and abnormal retinal neovascularization.
Preparation Before Receiving Intravitreal Injection
- Patients can continue their usual routine, especially taking regular medications such as antihypertensives and blood thinners without stopping the medication
- Bring all medications you are currently taking on the day of the intravitreal injection
- Inform the doctor and nursing staff beforehand if you have any of the following symptoms: eye discharge, red eyes, fever, or cough, as there is a higher risk of infection
- The nurse will measure blood pressure, body temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure before the injection
Procedure for Intravitreal Injection
- Administer anesthetic drops to the patient, including the antiseptic povidone iodine
- Clean the area around the eye with povidone iodine
- Cover the face with a special cloth and use a tool to hold the eyelids open
- Inject the medication into the vitreous humor through the white part of the eye
- After the injection, visual acuity and any complications may be reassessed
Post-Injection Care
- Avoid rubbing the eyes. Prevent water or foreign substances from entering the injected eye. Clean the face by wiping with a clean damp cloth instead of washing the face. You may shower and brush your teeth as usual but be careful not to get water in the eye for 3-5 days as advised by the doctor
- If you experience eye pain, take 500 mg of paracetamol, 1 tablet each time, with intervals of about 4-6 hours. If after taking paracetamol twice the pain does not subside or if you experience radiating pain to the back of the head, nausea, or vomiting, see a doctor immediately
- Possible complications after intravitreal injection include:
- Seeing black spots or round bubbles floating in the visual field of the injected eye, which usually resolve within 2-3 days
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage, which usually resolves within 7-10 days
- See a doctor immediately if you notice green eye discharge, swelling, redness, severe pain, worsening vision compared to before the injection, or light sensitivity in the injected eye
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor treatment progress
Patients Who Should Use Anti-VEGF with Caution
- Patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Those at high risk as assessed by the Stroke Score Card of the National Stroke Association
- Patients with other risk factors should receive information to help make an informed decision before starting treatment
