Intravitreal injections
Targeted treatment to protect your vision and manage retinal conditions.
Intravitreal injections are an important treatment for a range of conditions affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for converting light into visual information.
At Riverina Eye Care Centre, we provide specialist assessment and intravitreal injection treatments for conditions including diabetic eye disease, wet age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions and other retinal disorders.
The procedure involves delivering medication directly into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye. This allows the medication to reach the retina, where it can help reduce swelling, control abnormal blood vessel growth and prevent further vision loss.
Intravitreal injections for diabetic eye disease
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels within the retina, leading to fluid leakage, swelling and changes in vision.
Diabetic macular oedema occurs when fluid builds up in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision.
Intravitreal injections can help reduce this swelling and stabilise or improve vision. They may also be recommended for certain other complications of diabetic retinopathy.
Intravitreal injections for macular degeneration
Wet age-related macular degeneration develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, causing fluid or blood to leak into surrounding tissues.
Without treatment, this can lead to rapid deterioration of central vision, affecting activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces.
Anti-VEGF injections work by blocking proteins that encourage abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. Treatment can help stabilise vision and, in some cases, improve eyesight.
Intravitreal injections for retinal vein occlusions
A retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked, potentially causing bleeding, swelling and reduced vision.
The condition may affect a major retinal vein or one of its smaller branches.
When a retinal vein occlusion causes macular oedema, intravitreal injections can help reduce swelling and improve or stabilise vision.
Treatment for other retinal conditions
Intravitreal injections may also be used to manage other retinal diseases associated with inflammation, abnormal blood vessel growth or fluid accumulation.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve anti-VEGF medications, corticosteroids or other specialist therapies.
What to expect during treatment
Intravitreal injections are usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Before treatment, anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, which is then carefully cleaned to minimise the risk of infection. The medication is delivered through a very fine needle, with the injection itself generally taking only a few seconds.
Some patients experience mild irritation or discomfort afterwards. Your ophthalmologist will explain the potential risks and provide instructions about symptoms that require urgent attention.
Many retinal conditions require a course of injections rather than a single treatment. The frequency and duration will depend on the condition, your response to medication and findings from ongoing retinal examinations.
Ongoing monitoring and personalised care
At Riverina Eye Care Centre, our ophthalmologists use detailed eye examinations and specialist retinal imaging to monitor disease progression and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
We understand that ongoing eye injections can feel daunting, particularly for patients requiring regular appointments. Our team is committed to providing clear information, personalised treatment planning and continuity of care.
With a longstanding commitment to serving Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina region, we aim to help patients access high-quality retinal care close to home.