Wet macular degeneration leads to vision loss when abnormal, leaking blood vessels form in the retina due to aging changes in the eye. Treatment for macular degeneration is aimed at stopping the leaking vessels and preventing new abnormal blood vessels from forming. The standard treatment is an intravitreal injection given through the sclera, the white part of the eye, with a very small needle. The two medications used, Lucentis and Avastin, are anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications that block production of substances (VEGFs) that promote abnormal vessel growth.
Step 1
Undergo the Injection. Your eye will be numbed and cleaned before the injection. The doctor may use a small wire speculum to hold your eye open so you don't blink. You might feel some pressure or slight pain during the injection, which takes just a few seconds. You'll be able to drive home if you have good vision in your other eye; some doctors have you stay in the office for an additional 15 minutes or so to check the pressure in your eye before you leave.
You may have a small red spot where the needle went into the eye; this is harmless and will disappear within a few days. Medication used to clean the eye can dry it out. If your eye is scratchy and irritated the day of the injection, use artificial tears to keep the eye moist and reduce irritation. If discomfort continues for more than one day, notify your doctor. You may also take Tylenol for mild discomfort.
Step 2
Use antibiotic drops as ordered. Ophthalmic antibiotics are given as ordered by your doctor to prevent infection after the injection. Your doctor may suggest you take the drops for just a day or two or for as long as a week.
Step 3
Watch for possible complications. Intravitreal injections increase the risk of retinal detachment, which causes flashes of light and floaters. Endophthalmitis, an infection of the eye, also can occur; vision loss, pain and redness of the eye indicate infection and require prompt treatment. Intravitreal injection can increase the intraocular pressure (IOP), possibly leading to glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve from elevated IOP. Corneal abrasion, a scratch on the cornea, can occur; corneal abrasion causes severe pain and light sensitivity for a day, but generally has no lasting side effects.
Step 4
Follow up as suggested by your doctor. Treating macular degeneration requires more than one appointment. Injections to treat macular degeneration are given on a schedule, normally once a month at first, then decreasing to every few months as the eye stabilizes.
Tips and Warnings
- Use deep breathing to relax if you're nervous before the injection; the dry, scratchy feeling after the injection is likely to be more annoying than the actual injection itself.
- Report any pain that lasts more than one day after injection to your doctor promptly; severe pain can be a sign of infection that can threaten vision.
