# How is an Eye Injection Given?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/how-is-an-eye-injection-given

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-13

> **Summary:** An intraocular (eye) injection delivers medication directly into the eye. It is used most commonly for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema, and occlusion of the retinal vessels, because unlike drops and ointments it reaches the back of the eye.

## Quick Facts
- **Setting:** Fully sterile environment, by a specialist doctor
- **Anaesthesia:** Local anaesthesia after antiseptic cleaning
- **Injection time:** A few seconds; usually little pain, more a feeling of pressure
- **Return to daily life:** Generally immediately
- **Sessions:** May need repeating; varies with the patient, the condition and follow-up findings

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## What Is an Eye Injection?
Medication is injected into the eye with a special needle to act directly on the affected area, so it takes effect very quickly. Medicines used:
- Newly developed biological medicines
- Anti-VEGF medicines: reduce abnormal vessel formation and leakage
- Corticosteroid medicines: can reduce inflammation and oedema

## When Is It Used?
It is not applied for every condition. Main uses:
- **Retinal vascular occlusion** (from causes such as high blood pressure, diabetes and hardening of the arteries): the medicine does not open the blocked vessel; it reduces the leakage and swelling it caused and helps preserve vision.
- **Macular degeneration (age related):** dries lesions and halts bleeding in the centre of vision; since there is no complete cure, injections slow progression.
- **Diabetes:** clears bleeding and oedema in the centre of vision from diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.

Goals: prevent sight loss, reduce vessel leakage and macular oedema, suppress abnormal vessel formation and in some cases prevent progression.

## How Is It Given?
- The eye is cleaned with an antiseptic solution; antiseptic drops beforehand reduce infection risk considerably.
- Local anaesthesia is applied.
- The injection goes through the white of the eye, slightly to the side of the iris.
- Any existing eye infection must be treated first.

## After the Injection
- Mild discomfort, redness, stinging or a small bleed on the white of the eye are normal and settle quickly.
- The first five days are important and should be observed; keep in contact with the ophthalmologist.
- Diabetic patients should see a doctor to regulate blood sugar; blood pressure should also be balanced.

## Risks
- Most common: a slight rise in eye pressure.
- In some situations: blurred vision, bleeding, infection. The main complication risk is bacteria entering the eye during the injection, which sterile technique and antiseptic drops reduce. Complications are very rare.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Does an eye injection hurt?**
A: Most people describe a feeling of pressure during a short procedure; sensitivity varies.

**Q: Is it normal for my eye to become red afterwards?**
A: Mild redness, stinging and a small bleed on the white of the eye are common and usually settle quickly. Severe pain or declining vision needs a doctor.

**Q: How many sessions are needed?**
A: It depends on the condition and on OCT and examination findings at follow-up; some conditions need regular repeats.

**Q: Does an eye injection open a blocked vessel?**
A: Generally no, the aim is to reduce the oedema it caused and preserve vision. Underlying causes such as blood pressure and cholesterol may also be assessed.

**Q: When should I see a doctor urgently?**
A: Severe pain, rapidly increasing redness, a marked decline in vision, a curtain or veil in vision, heavy light sensitivity or discharge.