An intravitreal injection is a medical procedure where medication is injected directly into the vitreous — the gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the back of the eye. This type of injection is commonly used to treat various eye conditions, especially those affecting the retina, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion.

How it works:

The injection delivers medication directly into the vitreous, allowing it to reach the retina more effectively. This method is used when oral medications or topical treatments (like eye drops) are less effective in treating certain conditions.

Common Medications Used:

• Anti-VEGF drugs (vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors) like Accentrix, and Eylea. These help prevent abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina and reduce swelling (edema) that can cause vision loss.
• Steroids such as Ozurdex are used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the retina.
• Antibiotics or antifungal agents may be injected for treating infections in the eye.

Conditions Treated with Intravitreal Injections:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): A condition where the macula (the central part of the retina) deteriorates, leading to vision loss.
• Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to blindness.
• Macular edema: Swelling of the macula, often caused by diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, or other conditions.
• Retinal vein occlusion: A blockage in the veins that carry blood away from the retina, leading to vision loss.