Intra-Vitreal Injections

05 Sep Intra-Vitreal Injections

The procedure of injecting a drug directly in the gel of the eye (vitreous) is known as an intra-vitreal injection. This method delivers the necessary concentration of a drug as close to the retina as possible.
Although it may be performed as an outpatient procedure, we prefer to inject it in the Operation Theatre to minimise the risk of infection.
Before the procedure, the eye is thoroughly cleaned and made numb with eye drops. A very thin needle (about 0.25mm) is passed through the white part of the eye and the drug is injected. Usually one does not see the needle itself. Many feel the touch of the needle but generally there is no pain.

As a precaution we pad the eye for up to an hour after the injection. Since there is no need for the patient to wait back, the pad is usually removed at home. Care needs to be taken for a day to preferably avoid contact of the eye with water or dust.
 
For about 24 hours after injection, it is normal to feel like there is something in the eye and to have mild eye pain with extra sensitivity to light. If these or any other side effects last longer, it is better to contact the doctor right away. Eye redness can last for a few days.
Some of the possible risks with the injection procedure include eye infection (risk less than 1 in 1000 injections) and even lesser risk of detached retina and cataract formation.
 
Depending on the disease being treated, one may need to continue having these injections over many months.

Various types of injections that are given by this route include:

• Eylea
• Accentrix (Lucentis)
• Ozurdex
• Avastin
• Razumab
• Zaltrap
• Triamcinolone acetonide
• Antibiotics
• Antivials