How to Prepare for Your First Retinal Injection Appointment

If your Retina specialist has recommended a retinal injection, you may feel daunted and overwhelmed  what will happen during your appointment. Although you may recognize it as the best treatment option, it can be challenging to envision what an eye injection might entail.

Learning more about how to prepare for your appointment and what to expect during and after can help you feel less anxious about your treatment. Keep reading to learn about how to prepare for your first retinal injection appointment!

What Are Retinal Injections?

A Retinal injection, also known as an intravitreal injection, is a procedure that uses a needle and syringe to place a medication directly into the vitreous cavity. The vitreous cavity is the space in the back of the eye that is filled with a jelly-like fluid called the vitreous humor gel.

What are Retinal Injections Used to Treat?

Retinal injections are used to treat eye conditions that affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts light entering the eye into electric signals the brain uses to create visual perception. These injections deliver medication that can reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

They are often used to control the “wet” type of age-related macular degeneration, a condition which occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak, causing fluid build-up that affects the shape of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.

Other conditions retinal injections treat include:

• Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, both of which result from damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood sugar
• Retinal vein occlusion, which is a blockage of a vein in the retina
• Uveitis, an inflammatory condition that affects the middle layer of the eye.

The medications used for retinal injections include anti-VEGF drugs that block the proteins that cause blood vessels to leak, and steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation. They are typically administered on a regular schedule that is based on the effects of the medication. 

How Do You Prepare For a Retinal Injection?

You should start your preparations for a retinal injection the way you would for any minor medical procedure: talk to your retina specialist, contact your insurance company, and make any necessary arrangements for the day of your treatment.

You should be sure to ask your retina specialist any questions you might have about your retinal injection treatment, including questions about the procedure itself and the projected outcomes. Feeling well-informed can help you feel more relaxed on the day of your treatment.

It is always advisable to check in with your insurance company before any procedure. It’s prudent to know what is covered and what you might be expected to pay out-of-pocket to avoid any billing surprises after your treatment.

One of the questions you should ask your retina specialist is what arrangements you should make for yourself on the day of your appointment. 

You are likely to be asked to do the following:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after your treatment, as your vision may be temporarily blurry
• Don’t wear any makeup to your appointment, as it can increase the chance of infection
• Wear comfortable clothes
• Bring your ID, insurance cards, and any other relevant medical information with you

On the day of your appointment, it is usually okay to eat and drink as normal and to take all of your daily medications, unless directed otherwise by your retina specialist.

What to Expect During a Retinal Injection

A retinal injection treatment begins with the application of an anesthetic. Your eye will be numbed using drops or gel so that the injection doesn’t hurt.

Your eye and eyelids are then cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent unwanted infection from naturally occurring bacteria around the eye. Your retina specialist may then place an eye speculum, which is a medical device used to keep the eye open and prevent blinking.

Once the eye is ready, you will be asked to look in a particular direction while the injection is made through the white part of your eye with a very thin needle. You may feel some pressure as the needle is inserted, but little to no pain.

After the injection has been given, your eye will be rinsed  to remove the antiseptic and check for any unwanted reactions or complications. Typically, the injection process takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish.

What to Expect After a Retinal Injection

Your vision may be blurry, and you may experience some eye irritation for a few hours after your treatment. Over-the-counter artificial tears can be used to help ease any discomfort caused by surface irritation or dryness.

For several days after your retinal injection, it’s crucial to avoid rubbing your eyes, exposing them to contaminants or irritants, and refraining from activities that could introduce bacteria into your eye, like swimming.

While complications after a retinal injection are rare, you should contact your retina specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort in your eye
• Vision impairment
• An increase in the presence of floaters
• Sensitivity to light

While the thought of having an injection in your eye may sound scary, it is a quick and painless procedure that can preserve the quality of your vision. 

Taking the time to prepare for your first retinal injection can make your appointment go smoothly and be as stress-free as possible.

Ready to take the next step in protecting your vision? If you have questions about retinal injections or need to schedule your appointment, our experienced retina specialist team is here to guide you through the process. Schedule an appointment at Premiere Eye Care of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, ID, today to discuss your treatment options and put your mind at ease.