How to Prepare for an Eye Injection Appointment

When we think about preserving our vision, we rarely imagine a needle near the eye as part of the solution. But for millions of people, retinal eye injections, also known as intravitreal injections, are nothing short of sight-saving miracles. These injections aren’t just routine treatments; they’re urgent interventions designed to halt or even reverse serious eye conditions that could otherwise lead to permanent vision loss.  

Unlike pills or eye drops, which can struggle to reach the delicate layer of tissue at the back of the eye, intravitreal injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. This proximity allows the medicine to work precisely where it needs it the most: the retina. 

Intravitreal eye injections reduce swelling, slow or stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and prevent bleeding and fluid leakage inside the eye. The goal is to preserve vision, or in many cases, improve it—something that may not be possible without treatment. These injections are commonly used to treat a number of serious eye conditions such as:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), especially the wet form, where rogue blood vessels grow and leak under the retina

• Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), which can cause vision changes or blindness as a result of leaky or blocked blood vessels

• Retinal Vein Occlusion, a kind of eye stroke that causes pressure and fluid buildup in the retina

• Uveitis, a type of eye inflammation that can be managed with steroid-based injections

What makes this treatment so necessary is its time-sensitive nature. These conditions are progressive. If you wait too long, your vision may never return. Thankfully, intravitreal injections are non-surgical and highly effective, offering a proven path to preserve sight without going under the knife. 

If you or a loved one is heading in for a retinal injection appointment, preparation helps ease nerves. Eat a light meal beforehand to stabilize blood sugar to avoid lightheadedness. Bring sunglasses; your pupils will likely be dilated, making your eyes sensitive to light afterwards. After pupils are dilated, the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops or gel. The skin around the eye and the eye itself are cleaned and a speculum may be used to hold the eyelids open. The injection is delivered quickly, in just a few seconds, to the sclera (the white part of the eye), with minimal pressure but no pain. Seeing some lights or shadows for these few seconds is normal. The speculum is then removed and the eye rinsed again and then you may go home shortly after. Make sure to keep all your subsequent appointments. Many treatments require regular injections to keep vision stable. Skipping even one can undo progress. 

While an injection to the eye isn’t on my people’s list of things they are most excited about, trust that modern medicine and a bit of bravery will give your eyes their best chance at a clearer, brighter future. 
For more information, contact Associated Retina Consultants at PHONE or WEBSITE.