Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage that damage the retina and macula. VEGF is a protein that drives the growth of fragile, leaky blood vessels in conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. Treatment is typically given as a repeated series of injections over time rather than as a single fix.
Who typically needs this
- Recommended for wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration.
- Used for diabetic macular edema and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy.
- Considered for macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion.
- May be used for other causes of abnormal retinal blood vessel growth or swelling, based on the treating retina specialist's assessment.
What to expect
- Performed in the clinic, usually without needing an operating room.
- The eye surface is numbed with anesthetic drops or gel, and antiseptic is applied to reduce infection risk.
- A very fine needle delivers a small amount of medication into the vitreous cavity; the injection itself typically takes only seconds.
- Injections are usually repeated at intervals — often every 4 to 8 weeks initially — based on the condition and how the eye responds.
Recovery
- Mild grittiness, redness, or a small bruise on the white of the eye is common and settles within days.
- Temporary floaters or a small bubble in vision from the injection fluid may be noticed briefly.
- Most people resume normal activities the same day; vigorous eye rubbing should be avoided for a short period.
- Follow-up visits and repeat injections are needed regularly — this is an ongoing course of treatment, not a single visit.
Risks to know about
- Eye infection (endophthalmitis) is a rare but serious risk that needs urgent treatment if it occurs.
- Temporary rise in eye pressure, mild bleeding on the eye surface, or floaters can occur.
- Rarely, retinal detachment or damage to the lens can happen from the injection.
- Because treatment is often long-term, missed or delayed injections can allow disease activity to worsen.
Frequently asked questions
Does the injection hurt?
The eye is numbed beforehand, so most patients feel only brief pressure or a slight sting, not significant pain.
How many injections will I need?
This varies by condition and response — some patients need monthly injections at first, tapering over time; others need them indefinitely, monitored regularly by the retina specialist.
Can I drive myself home afterward?
Most patients can, since only the eye surface is numbed, but vision may be briefly blurry, so some prefer to arrange a ride.
What happens if I skip an injection?
Delaying treatment can allow leakage or swelling to worsen and may reduce the vision benefit already gained, so keeping to the recommended schedule matters.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — Anti-VEGF Treatments, NEI — Diabetic Retinopathy . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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