Anti-VEGF medicines
These medicines reduce signalling that causes abnormal blood-vessel growth and leakage. Choice and interval are individual clinical decisions.
Retinal treatment
Intravitreal eye injections
Intravitreal injections deliver medicine inside the eye for selected retinal conditions. The diagnosis and OCT response determine the drug and schedule.
After an injection, worsening pain or vision is urgent
Contact the treating eye service immediately for increasing pain, marked redness, worsening vision, pus-like discharge or severe light sensitivity after an injection.
Understanding the concern
A clear diagnosis comes before a treatment plan
Eye injections are commonly used to treat retinal swelling or abnormal blood vessels in conditions such as wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion. Steroid medicines are used in selected circumstances.
The injection itself is brief, but the treatment pathway includes confirming the diagnosis, cleaning and numbing the eye, monitoring response and recognising the rare symptoms that need urgent review.
What patients notice
Conditions commonly considered for injections
These features can overlap with other eye conditions. Examination is needed to establish the cause.
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetic macular oedema
- Macular oedema from retinal vein occlusion
- Selected inflammatory macular oedema
- Abnormal retinal blood-vessel growth
Specialist assessment
What the consultation may involve
The decision is based on the underlying condition and activity seen on examination and imaging, not on blurred vision alone.
01
OCT imaging
OCT measures retinal fluid and structural change and is central to deciding when treatment is active or stable.
02
Dilated retinal examination
The macula, optic nerve, vitreous and peripheral retina are reviewed for disease and other causes of visual change.
03
Treatment and health history
Previous response, allergies, infection, surgery and relevant medical conditions are considered before treatment.
Treatment planning
What the injection pathway involves
Protocols vary. Many conditions require a series of injections followed by treatment intervals adjusted to disease activity.
Steroid treatment
Steroids may be used in selected retinal swelling or inflammatory conditions and require monitoring for pressure and cataract-related effects.
Combination care
Some diseases also require laser, systemic risk-factor management or surgery in addition to injections.
From first assessment to follow-up
- 01Confirm the retinal diagnosis and treatment indication
- 02Record baseline vision, examination and OCT
- 03Clean and numb the eye before the injection
- 04Provide aftercare and urgent warning instructions
- 05Review response and set the next interval
Retinal treatment
At a glance
- Diagnosis confirmed with retinal imaging
- Treatment for selected retinal conditions
- Response-led follow-up intervals
Injection treatment for selected retinal conditions
Prof. Amer Awan uses intravitreal therapy for selected cases of AMD, diabetic retinal disease and retinal vascular conditions. The medicine and treatment frequency depend on examination, imaging and response over time.
Questions patients ask
About Intravitreal injections
Does the injection hurt?
Numbing medicine is used and the procedure is brief. Pressure or momentary discomfort can occur, and antiseptic may cause surface irritation afterward.
Why are repeated injections needed?
The underlying disease can remain active or recur. OCT and vision are monitored so the interval can be adapted to response.
What is normal after an injection?
Mild grittiness or a small moving bubble can occur. Increasing pain, marked redness or worsening vision are not routine and need urgent contact with the treating service.
Can I drive home?
Vision may be blurred from drops or treatment. Ask the clinic in advance and arrange transport when advised.
Continue reading
Related eye-care pathways
Age-related macular degenerationHow injections fit into wet AMD care.Diabetic eye diseaseTreatment pathways for diabetic retinal swelling.Retina specialistThe wider medical and surgical retina pathway.
General information sources: Prof. Amer Awan - current public profile; National Eye Institute - Injections to treat eye conditions.