Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals aged 60 and older. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is less severe, but it can lead to the more serious wet form.
In wet macular degeneration, blood vessels in the retina leak, causing scar tissue and cellular damage in the macula, which is the central part of the retina and is responsible for helping translate the light you observe into images. And while the disease is not fully curable, eye injections for macular degeneration can preserve vision and keep the condition from progressing.
With this treatment, individuals with wet macular degeneration are given an injection of fluid into the vitreous gel of the eye, known as an intravitreal injection. The vitreous gel is located near the retina at the back of the eye, and helps the eye function and maintain its shape. Eye injections for macular degeneration work by stopping the formation of new blood vessels, thus preventing further damage to the retina. For many, this can make all the difference in slowing wet macular degeneration and preventing further vision loss.
The idea of getting an injection in the eye can certainly be a bit nerve-wracking, but in a majority of cases, no pain is associated with the treatment. Instead, most patients feel only slight pressure or nothing at all when getting eye injections, and the entire procedure is over in just a few minutes.
The process for a macular degeneration treatment injection starts with a cleansing of the eye and the area around it, followed by numbing drops or a quick numbing shot. Then an eyelid holder is placed to keep the eye open, and the injection is given. Once that’s done, an eyewash solution is used to cleanse the area one more time, and aftercare instructions are provided.
As far as eye injection side effects go, they tend to be both short-lived and mild. Common side effects include:
Any pain from eye injections can typically be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Your specialist may recommend eye drops as well.
More serious complications, such as infections or retinal detachment, are possible, however these are rare. If you are experiencing excessive pain or significant discomfort after the treatment, please contact your retinal specialist right away.
Eye injections for macular degeneration are not a one-time treatment. You will likely need to return for subsequent injections every few weeks or months, depending on the extent of your illness and the recommendation of your retinal specialist.
The longer you go without additional macular degeneration signs or symptoms, the more spaced out your injections will become. In a study done by John Hopkins University, 30% of patients receiving eye injections for wet macular generation were able to stop treatment entirely after one year.
It is not always possible to completely stop the progression of macular degeneration, especially in those with a strong family history of the disease or those at more advanced ages.
That said, there are things that you can – and should – do to prevent additional damage from occurring and help ensure that you get as many benefits as possible from your intravitreal injections. These include abstaining from smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and addressing any existing heart disease or blood pressure issues.
Your specialist may also recommend that you avoid certain activities. Yard work, swimming, and wearing eye makeup, for example, can all introduce bacteria into the injection area. It’s best to stay away from these things in the 24 hours immediately after you receive eye injections. And, of course, refrain from rubbing your eyes.
We are proud to be a center for excellence in the treatment of macular degeneration, offering state-of-the-art procedures and setting the standard for retinal care. At our advanced facility, the nation’s top eye doctors conduct clinical trials and pioneer the way forward in retinal treatments. Please contact us today to learn more about macular degeneration and whether eye injections are the right option for you. Our internationally recognized team of specialists is here to help however we can, and we will work with you to ensure that you receive the best care for your needs.
