At Pure Sight Eye Surgeons, Dr Adam Plant and Dr Joanne Teong both have subspecialty expertise in medical retina and administer intravitreal injections as part of their ongoing management of retinal diseases. DR Chiu and Dr Givorshner are also able to manage and treat retinal diseases that require intravitreal injections
What Conditions Are Treated?
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — anti-VEGF medication stops abnormal blood vessel growth and reduces fluid leakage
- Diabetic macular oedema — reduces swelling in the macula
- Diabetic retinopathy — anti-VEGF injections can be used alongside or instead of laser
- Retinal vein occlusion — treats macular oedema caused by vein blockage
- Other conditions including certain types of uveitis, and other conditions with abnormal neovascularisation at the macula such as associated with myopia and connective tissue diseases
What to Expect
The procedure is performed in the clinic, and takes only a few minutes. Anaesthetic drops numb the eye, an antiseptic solution is applied, and the medication is injected through the white of the eye using a very fine needle. Most patients describe a brief pressure sensation rather than sharp pain.
Treatment Schedule
Treatment typically involves a loading phase (usually three to six monthly injections), followed by ongoing monitoring and treatment at intervals guided by your response. The goal is to use the minimum number of injections to maintain stable vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the injection hurt?
Most patients find it much less uncomfortable than expected. The eye is thoroughly numbed before the injection.
How many injections will I need?
This varies. Some patients need only a few; others require ongoing treatment over months or years. Treatment of wet AMD requires life-long maintenance. Your doctor will tailor the plan to your response.