Intravitreal injections are treatments used when diseases of the retina cause abnormal blood vessel growth, leakage, or swelling that threaten vision. They are most commonly used for conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusions. The goal of these injections is to preserve and often improve vision by treating the underlying disease process directly inside the eye.

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Most intravitreal injections are VEGF inhibitors, which block vascular endothelial growth factor, a signal that causes abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak. By suppressing VEGF, these medications reduce retinal swelling and bleeding and help stabilize or improve vision. The injection is performed in the office under sterile conditions with numbing drops, takes only a few seconds, and is often repeated on a regular schedule to maintain its benefit.

Other intravitreal medications include steroid-based treatments such as Ozurdex, a slow-release steroid implant. These are used when inflammation plays a major role or when VEGF inhibitors are not sufficient or appropriate. Steroids can be especially helpful in certain cases of diabetic macular edema or vein occlusions, but they require monitoring for side effects such as increased eye pressure or cataract formation.