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Anti-VEGF injections

A medicine placed inside the eye to dry up leaking vessels and settle swelling at the retina.

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Cross-section of the retina at the macula. Leaky vessels let fluid collect in pockets that lift the macula. A very fine needle at the side of the eye releases medicine that spreads, the pockets shrink, and the macula lies flat again.MaculaLeaky vesselsMedicineThe macula lies flat again

At a glance

  • Duration

    A few minutes for the injection itself

  • Anaesthesia

    Numbing eye drops

    You stay awake.

  • Going home

    Usually the same day

  • Back to routine

    Usually the same or next day

    Dr. Kumar will advise.

What anti-VEGF injections are

VEGF is a chemical in the body that makes blood vessels grow and leak. Anti-VEGF medicine blocks it (say: anti-VEE-jef). It is used in diabetic eye disease and some other retina problems.

What the surgeon does

Your eye is cleaned and numbed. A small amount of medicine is injected into the clear jelly inside the eye with a very fine needle. This takes seconds. It is done in a clean theatre to lower the risk of infection.

Who it is for

People with swelling at the centre of the retina (macular oedema) or growing weak vessels, often from diabetes. It usually needs a course of injections, one a month at first, then spaced out. It controls the problem; it is not a one-time cure. Dr. Kumar will tell you what applies to you.

Honest risks

  • Common: a red patch on the white of the eye, a gritty feeling, a few floating specks for a day or two.
  • Rare but serious: infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis), raised pressure, a retinal tear or detachment, or bleeding.
  • Call us at once if: after the injection the eye becomes more red or painful, sight gets worse, or light hurts. Do not wait for the next visit.

Before, on the day, after

The usual order of things. Dr. Kumar will tell you what applies to you.

  1. Before

    Retina scan

    Your retina is scanned to see the swelling. Tell Dr. Kumar about any allergy, and about heart attack or stroke in the past.

  2. Before

    Preparation

    Use antibiotic drops if told. Bring someone with you.

  3. On the day

    The injection

    Your eye is cleaned and numbed. The injection takes seconds. You may feel pressure.

  4. After

    Short rest

    Dr. Kumar checks your eye, and you go home.

Recovery

How healing usually goes.

  • First day

    Soreness

    Mild soreness and a few floating specks are common. Do not rub the eye.

  • First week

    Watch for warning signs

    Keep the eye clean. If it gets more red or painful, or sight falls, call us the same day.

  • Four to six weeks

    Course and review

    Dr. Kumar checks the swelling and tells you if you need another injection.

Questions about anti-vegf injections

How many injections will I need?

Usually a course. Many people have a few injections about a month apart, then fewer. Dr. Kumar will tell you what applies to you.

Does the injection hurt?

The eye is numb. You may feel pressure but little or no pain.

Will my sight come back?

The aim is to protect sight and often to improve blur from swelling. Results vary.

Is the medicine safe?

It has been used for many years and is widely used. It has risks, which Dr. Kumar will explain, including a small chance of infection.

Can I have laser too?

Many people need laser, injections, or both. Dr. Kumar will plan with you.

Your eyes deserve one doctor who knows them.

Book a visit with Dr. Kumar, or call and we will help you choose a time.