What To Expect After an Intravitreal Injection
If you’ve just received an intravitreal injection, you might be wondering what’s normal to feel afterward and what’s not. This common procedure involves injecting medication directly into the vitreous cavity (the gel-like substance in the center of the eye) and is used to treat various retinal conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal vein occlusion.
While the treatment is often very effective, it’s completely normal to experience a few temporary symptoms after the injection. Here's what you can expect in the hours and days following your procedure:
Common and Normal Post-Injection Symptoms
- Floaters or a “cloud” of medicine: It's normal to see floaters or cloudy spots in your vision as the medication disperses within the eye.
- Small black circles or bubbles: These are tiny air bubbles introduced during the injection and will resolve on their own.
- Blurred vision: Immediately after the injection, your vision may be blurry but usually improves gradually throughout the day.
- Mild discomfort or burning: A slight stinging or burning sensation is common soon after the procedure.
- Scratchy feeling, irritation, or tearing: These symptoms may persist for a day or two and are part of the normal healing process.
- Red spot on the eye: A small red area at the injection site is not unusual and will fade over time.
How to Relieve Discomfort
To ease any irritation:
- Use artificial tears every 15 minutes for the first two hours post-injection.
- Apply a cool compress (such as a clean, damp washcloth) gently over your closed eyelid to help with comfort.
Most patients report feeling 60–70% better by the next morning, with continued improvement throughout the day. By the second day, your eye should feel almost completely back to normal.
When to Call Your Retina Specialist
While most symptoms are harmless and temporary, there are a few warning signs you should not ignore. Contact your retina specialist immediately if you experience:
- Increasing pain
- Worsening or sudden loss of vision
These could indicate a rare but serious complication that needs prompt medical attention.
Staying on Track with Treatment
Retinal conditions often require a series of injections, typically scheduled every 4–6 weeks. Consistent follow-up is crucial to maintaining your eye health and ensuring the treatment remains effective.
If you have any concerns after your injection or questions about your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to contact our care team. Your vision is our priority.
Schedule an appointment with Retina Associates of Utah today in Salt Lake, Provo, Logan, Layton, or Lehi.