Intravitreal injection is a common procedure used to manage various conditions affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This procedure delivers therapeutic agents, such as anti-VEGF drugs, directly into the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance filling the center of the eye. Eye injections frequently treat conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusions. Understanding the recovery process is important for patients receiving this treatment.
The Immediate Post-Injection Experience
The procedure is performed after the eye surface is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and numbed with anesthetic drops or gel. Patients may feel a brief sensation of pressure during the injection. A small patch or shield may be placed over the eye for the first two to three hours to prevent accidental rubbing.
Once the anesthetic wears off (about 30 minutes to an hour), patients commonly experience a mild scratchy or gritty sensation. The eye may also feel slightly sore, or there may be some tearing and burning due to the antiseptic solution. Because temporary visual changes are possible, patients should not drive or operate machinery immediately afterward.
Typical Recovery Timelines and Activity Restrictions
Physical discomfort and vision changes begin to improve significantly within the first 24 hours. Many patients report their eye feels much better by the morning after the procedure, with almost complete return to normal sensation by the second day. Immediate blurring of vision, often caused by the medication temporarily clouding the fluid, usually clears up gradually within the first day.
Activity restrictions are primarily preventative, aimed at reducing the risk of infection. Light activities like reading can be resumed immediately, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours. Activities involving water in the eye, such as swimming or using hot tubs, require restriction for five to seven days. Patients should also refrain from wearing contact lenses or eye makeup for at least 24 hours.
Managing Expected Temporary Side Effects
Patients should anticipate several common, temporary side effects. One frequently observed effect is a small, painless red spot on the white of the eye, known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This small bruise where the needle entered the eye typically fades on its own within one to two weeks.
The medication or air bubbles can cause temporary visual disturbances, often described as floaters, shadows, or small black circles. These floaters are normal and usually resolve as the substance disperses within the eye, often within hours or a couple of days. For mild ache or irritation, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are recommended, and artificial tears can help soothe a dry feeling. Rubbing the eye must be avoided entirely while the numbing medication is active.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
While recovery is generally smooth, patients must be aware of rare signs indicating a serious complication, such as endophthalmitis (an infection inside the eye) or a retinal detachment. Endophthalmitis is an infrequent but significant risk, and patients typically become symptomatic around three days after the injection.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms are severe or worsen instead of improving after the first day. These warning signs include severe, constant pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication, a sudden decrease in vision, or increasing redness and discharge. Other concerning symptoms are new, persistent light sensitivity (photophobia) or the sudden appearance of a dark curtain obstructing vision, which can signal a retinal issue.