Intravitreal Injections

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Intravitreal Injections

Intravitreal injections are a highly effective way to treat a variety of retinal conditions that threaten vision, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusion. These medications are delivered directly into the eye, where they can act quickly and precisely.

At Northeast Wisconsin Retina Associates, our specialists perform these painless eye injections with expert care and precision. If you need eye injections for macular degeneration or another retinal condition, we’ll guide you through the process and make it as comfortable and effective as possible.

What Are Intravitreal Injections?

Intravitreal injections deliver medication into the vitreous cavity — the gel-like space in the center of the eye. This allows medication to reach the retina directly, which is essential for treating diseases that involve abnormal blood vessels, fluid leakage, inflammation, or retinal swelling.

These injections are performed in-office and typically take just a few minutes from start to finish. Many patients are surprised by how quick and painless the procedure is.

Conditions Treated with Intravitreal Injections

We use intravitreal injections to treat several retinal and macular conditions, including:

• Wet AMD
• Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME)
• Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
• Macular edema
• Uveitis
• Geographic atrophy (GA) from dry AMD
• Other inflammatory or neovascular retinal diseases

Types of Medications Used

Several medications are used for intravitreal injections. The most common types include:

Anti-VEGF Medications

These block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that causes abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina. These are the most frequently used medications for wet AMD, DME, and RVO, and include:

• Eylea® and Eylea® HD
• Lucentis®
• Cimerli® (a biosimilar to Lucentis)
• Vabysmo® (targets both VEGF and Ang-2 for longer-lasting results)

Complement Inhibitors

Used for geographic atrophy, a late-stage form of dry AMD:

• Syfovre®
• Izervay®

Steroid Implants

Used to reduce inflammation in conditions like diabetic macular edema and uveitis:

• Ozurdex® (a slow-release steroid implant)
  Your retina specialist will determine the most appropriate medication based on your diagnosis, response to past treatments, and visual goals.

How the Procedure Works

Intravitreal injections are done right in the office and usually take less than 10 minutes. Here's what you can expect:

• Topical anesthesia is applied to numb the eye.
• The eye is cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
• A small device is used to gently hold the eyelids open.
• The medication is injected using a very fine needle through the white part of the eye (sclera).
  Most patients report little to no discomfort — many describe it as a painless eye injection or feel only slight pressure or a quick pinch.

What to Expect After Treatment

You may experience mild symptoms like:

• Slight irritation or scratchiness
• Blurry vision for a few hours
• A small floater or air bubble that resolves quickly
  These effects are normal and temporary. Serious side effects are rare but will be reviewed with you before your first injection.

Risks and Potential Complications

Intravitreal injections are generally safe, but potential risks include:

• Eye infection (endophthalmitis)
• Bleeding on the surface of the eye
• Increased eye pressure
• Retinal tear or detachment (rare)
• Inflammation
  Our team follows strict protocols to minimize risk and ensure your safety at every visit.

Frequency of Intravitreal Injections

Many patients require a series of injections, especially when starting treatment. The frequency depends on your condition, how you respond to the medication, and your specialist’s recommendations. Missing or delaying injections can lead to worsening vision or loss of treatment effectiveness.

Staying on schedule is crucial for maintaining and protecting your sight. We’ll work closely with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Outcomes and Long-Term Vision Protection

With regular treatment, many patients experience:

• Stabilization or improvement in vision
• Reduced fluid or swelling in the retina
• Slowed progression of disease
  While intravitreal injections may not cure the underlying condition, they play a critical role in preserving vision and improving quality of life.