Post-Surgery Guidelines and FAQ's
Intravitreal Injections
Does Intravitreal Injection hurt?
Most patients experience little or no pain with intravitreal injections. Before giving an intravitreal injection, anesthetic eye drops are put in the eye to numb it.
How long does it take to recover after the injection?
After the injection, when the effect of the anesthetic eye drop wears off, you may feel a mild sensation. However, after a few hours, your eye will feel normal again.
How long is the follow-up time after the injection?
Patients must remain in the hospital for observation from 30 minutes to 1 hour after the procedure. Once the patient is cleared, they may tgo home.
After injection, do I have to get re-examine?
To monitor and detect complications as soon as possible, the doctor will request to re-examine the patient 1 week after the injection. Your doctor will advise you to continue or stop using antibiotics after the injection at this follow-up examination. Take note that patients must follow the schedule of periodic re-examinations when the next injections are carried out.
How many injections will I need?
The overall number may depending on your condition and medication. Following the treatment schedule is important to maintain and reach optimal level of treatment effect.
What are the risks of intravitreal Injection?
- Pain: This is just a temporary symptom
- External bleeding: Bleeding is minimal and the patient's eyes may be slightly red. This condition usually goes away on its own in 10-15 days
- Internal bleeding: 1 out of 1,000 people experience this symptom. Heavy bleeding inside the vitreous (vitreous hemorrhage) during injection, possibly causing vision loss.
- Increased intraocular pressure: This is just a temporary symptom
- Inflammatory eye conditions: Can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs
- Retinal tear/detachment
- Retinal tear/detaCataract (from inadvertently hitting the lens)chment
- Infection (endophthalmitis)
In some cases of severe bleeding in the vitreous, retinal detachment, or cataract, doctors will have to perform additional surgery and the patients will be required special care to restore vision.
What will happen if the patient decides not to have the injection?
The patient's vision is likely to worsen. If the retina forms a scar or the eye problem lasts too long, the patient may experience permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
Is there an alternative treatment to injections?
Laser treatment may be appropriate for the patient but is less effective than intravitreal injection
After your Intravitreal Injection
IMMEDIATELY AFTER
Patients may resume:
- Showering below the neck. Avoid washing your hair and getting soap and water in the eyes.
- Watching TV or reading books normally. Remember to give your eyes reasonable time to rest to avoid eye fatigue.
- Using the prescribed medicine by doctors
- Eating, drinking, and using previously prescription medication as usual
1 DAY AFTER
Patients may resume:
- Showering normally one day after the procedure
- Wearing foundation only in their make-up
- Working with computers and phones
- Doing gentle exercises
Note: Avoid any strenuous tasks at this time
3 DAY AFTER
Patients may resume:
- Wearing eye make-up
- Doing heavy exercises like going to the gym, swimming, yoga, etc.