Injections into the eye
For several retinal conditions, medicine given directly into the eye is the treatment that works. It is a routine procedure and it is quick.
What they are for
Some conditions damage sight by causing leaking or abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eye. Medicine taken by mouth cannot reach that part of the eye in a useful amount, so it is given as a small injection into the eye itself.
The conditions treated this way include:
- Wet macular degeneration — abnormal vessels leaking under the central part of the retina.
- Diabetic macular oedema — swelling of the central retina caused by diabetes.
- Retinal vein occlusion — a blocked vein at the back of the eye.
Why the appointments keep coming
These are not one-off treatments. The injections hold the condition in check rather than curing it, so they are given as a course, and then repeated according to how the eye responds. Missing appointments is the most common reason treatment stops working.
Bring somebody with you if you can, particularly if you are coming a long way.
On the day
The eye is numbed with drops and cleaned thoroughly. The injection itself takes a few seconds. You will feel pressure rather than a sharp pain. Afterwards the eye may feel gritty and look red on the white part for a day or two, and you may see small floating shapes. All of that is expected.
You should not rub the eye. You will be told exactly what to do afterwards, in writing.
Phone us straight away if, after an injection
- your sight gets worse,
- the pain increases rather than settling, or
- the eye becomes more red.
Phone 012 252 8018. These are uncommon, but they need to be seen quickly, not at your next appointment.
Questions people ask
Will I see the needle coming?
No. The eye is held still and a small clip keeps the lids open, and the light is bright enough that you will not see it.
Will it hurt?
The eye is numbed first. Most people describe pressure rather than pain, and say the anticipation was worse than the injection.
Can I drive home?
Better not to. Your vision is often blurred for a while afterwards from the drops and the cleaning solution.
How many will I need?
That depends on the condition and how your eye responds. Dr Patel will explain the plan for your eye, and it is reviewed as you go.
Speak to the rooms
Phone 012 252 8018 or 012 252 8123, WhatsApp 068 630 1580, or email info@eye-care.co.za.