Intravitreal Injection into the Eye
Your doctor has ordered an intravitreal injection of ______________________ into your __________ eye.
This handout will tell you what to expect before, during, and after treatment. You may want to write down any questions you have so that you can ask your doctor or nurse about it before the treatment.
The doctor will explain the treatment, the reason for it, and the type of medicine as well as any side effects you might notice. You will be asked to sign a consent form for the treatment.
Before the Procedure
Please allow 1 to 1 ½ hours for your treatment visit. We will check your vision and dilate your pupil. You may be taken to a different room for the treatment.
During the Procedure
Numbing eye drops will be put into your eye. The eye, lashes, and eye lids will be cleaned with an iodine solution. Please let us know if you are allergic to iodine. An eye lid retractor may be used to keep your eye open and the eyelids and lashes away from the injection site. You may feel it, but it should not be painful.
The doctor will tell you which way to look, and you may feel some pressure as the medicine is injected. This only takes a few seconds.
After the Procedure
Next, the doctor may apply light pressure to the area with a cotton-tip swab. The doctor will remove the eye lid retractor. The doctor will look at your eye to be sure the eye pressure is okay. In some cases you will receive antibiotic drops or ointment. You may receive an eye patch. The doctor will talk to you about eye medicines and a follow up visit. After the treatment, you may notice one or more “floaters” or dark spots moving in the upper part of your vision. This is normal. When you look in a mirror, you may notice a red spot on your eye at the site of the injection. This is also normal.
Special Instructions
Bring a driver. Do not plan to drive home after the treatment.
You may have some blurred vision and floaters for a short time. If you have a decrease in vision or pain in the treated eye, call the eye clinic right away.
Eye Clinic, 24 Hours a Day: 608-263-7171
If you have any problems or questions after your treatment call this number and talk to a nurse. If the clinic is closed, you will talk to a paging operator. Ask the operator for the Ophthalmology Resident On-Call. Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code. A doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #7272.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 10/31/2011
Copyright © 12/08/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6202
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