Anti-VEGF injections: what to expect
How intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy works, who needs it, and what the procedure actually feels like.
What are anti-VEGF injections?
Anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) medication is injected directly into the eye to block a protein that causes abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina. It is one of the most effective treatments available for several sight-threatening retinal conditions.
Who needs this treatment
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetic macular edema
- Retinal vein occlusion with macular swelling
- Certain cases of diabetic retinopathy with abnormal vessel growth
What the procedure involves
The injection is given in-clinic under topical anaesthetic drops, so the eye is numbed beforehand. The needle used is very fine, and the injection itself takes only a few seconds. Most patients describe mild pressure rather than sharp pain, and are able to go home the same day with no downtime required.
What to expect afterward
It is normal to notice some redness, mild grittiness or small floating spots in the vision for a day or two after the injection. Vision improvement is often gradual rather than immediate, and treatment is typically given as a course of several injections spaced weeks apart, followed by OCT monitoring to guide how often further doses are needed.
Key takeaway
Anti-VEGF therapy is a well-established, closely monitored treatment — and for many retinal conditions, it is the most effective way to preserve and even improve vision when started early.