Intravitreal Injections for Retinal Diseases: Steps and Tips

Your comprehensive guide to intravitreal injections with Dr. Mahmoud Hassan. Learn about the procedure steps and how to ensure your eye's safety.

Intravitreal Injections for Retinal Diseases: Precise Steps for Your Vision

Intravitreal injection is a pivotal advancement in the treatment of complex retinal diseases. It allows direct drug delivery to the affected site within the eye, increasing its effectiveness and reducing systemic side effects. At Al Mashreq Eye Center in Cairo, our medical team, led by Dr. Mahmoud Hassan, is committed to providing this procedure with the highest standards of precision and safety for our patients.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this treatment is its ability to target diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema resulting from retinal vein occlusion, wet age-related macular degeneration (Wet AMD), and other conditions previously considered intractable. Understanding the procedure's steps and important advice before and after the injection significantly contributes to achieving the best possible outcomes.

What is an Intravitreal Injection?

An intravitreal injection is a medical procedure in which a small amount of medication is injected directly into the vitreous humor, the jelly-like substance that fills the back cavity of the eye. This is done using a very fine needle, and the procedure typically takes only a few minutes.

Why Do We Need Intravitreal Injections?

This technique is used to treat a wide range of retinal diseases affecting central vision, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: especially the proliferative type or that accompanied by macular edema.
• Macular Edema: resulting from retinal vein occlusion (such as Central Retinal Vein Occlusion CRVO or Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion BRVO), or after certain surgeries.
• Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD): where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and cause fluid leakage.
• Posterior Uveitis: affecting the retina.
• Certain cases of retinal detachment or macular holes that may require adjunctive injections.

Steps of the Intravitreal Injection Procedure

Intravitreal injections are performed in the doctor's office or a specialized center. The basic steps include:

1. Preparation and Sterilization: Before starting, the area around the eye is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. Anesthetic eye drops may be used to numb the eye, and in some cases, a local anesthetic may be injected around the eye to ensure complete patient comfort.
2. Injection Site Selection: The doctor identifies the precise injection site on the sclera (white of the eye), usually in the lower or lateral part of the eye, to avoid passing through sensitive areas such as the lens or retina.
3. Injection: Using a very fine needle, the medication is slowly and carefully introduced into the vitreous humor. The patient may feel some slight pressure during the injection.
4. Completion: After withdrawing the needle, antibiotic or antiseptic drops may be applied to the eye. The procedure typically does not require surgical stitches.

Important Tips to Ensure Safety and Effectiveness of the Injection

To achieve the best results from the intravitreal injection procedure, and to ensure the safety of your eye, Dr. Mahmoud Hassan, a key contributor at Al Mashreq Eye Center, offers these important tips:

Before the Injection:

• Open Communication with Your Doctor: Discuss your entire medical history, including any drug allergies and any chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including blood thinners, as their dosages may need to be adjusted before the procedure.
• Adhere to Instructions: Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor before the appointment, such as avoiding food or drink for a certain period if the procedure requires it.

After the Injection:

• Avoid Rubbing Your Eye: It is crucial to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the injected eye for at least 24-48 hours to prevent any injury or leakage of medication.
• Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying any prescribed eye drops.
• Monitor Symptoms: Be vigilant for any abnormal signs such as increased pain, severe redness, sudden loss of vision, or the appearance of new light flashes. If any of these symptoms appear, contact your doctor immediately.
• Rest and Avoid Strain: It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities or those that require significant bending or heavy lifting for a few days after the injection.
• Follow-up Appointments: Adhering to regular follow-up appointments with your doctor is vital to assess the response to treatment and determine the need for additional injection sessions. Some conditions may require several injections over time, such as in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion, which may require multiple eye injections for retinal vein occlusion and follow-up protocol.
• Driving: Your vision may be temporarily affected after the injection, so it is preferable to avoid driving on the day of the procedure.

Types of Medications Used in Injections

The medications used in intravitreal injections vary, mainly including:

• Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Anti-VEGF) medications: such as Eylea and Lucentis, which are the most common medications for treating diabetic retinopathy and wet AMD. Recently, Vabysmo has emerged, targeting two different pathways for blood vessel growth.
• Corticosteroids: such as Depo-Medrol injections or Ozurdex implant, used in cases of eye inflammation or resistant macular edema.

The cost of these injections varies based on the type of medication used and the number of sessions required. For example, the price of Eylea or Lucentis injections in Egypt for 2026 is approximately 9,000 EGP (approximate), while the cost of Vabysmo injections may vary up to 11,000 EGP (approximate), and these prices are approximate and depend on the patient's condition.

When Do We Need Repeated Injections?

The number of required injections depends on the patient's response to the medical condition. In conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, the patient may need a series of initial injections, followed by follow-up sessions and injections as needed to maintain the results. Close follow-up with a retinal specialist is key to determining the optimal treatment protocol.

Conclusion

Intravitreal injection is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a specialized doctor in a sterile medical environment. At Al Mashreq Eye Center, we are committed to providing the latest technologies and integrated care to our patients, ensuring the preservation of retinal health and improving vision quality. If you suffer from any of the mentioned retinal diseases, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

For more information about eye health and treatment methods, you can follow Dr. Mahmoud Hassan's channel on YouTube.

For reservations and inquiries: 01002310813

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