Anti-VEGF Injections
Understanding Anti-VEGF Injections
These specialized injections deliver medication directly into your eye to stop abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce harmful swelling in the retina. The treatment targets a specific protein that, when overproduced, can damage your vision. Our retina specialists have extensive experience administering this therapy safely and comfortably.
VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein your body naturally produces to create new blood vessels. In certain eye diseases, your body produces too much VEGF, leading to fragile, leaky blood vessels that damage the delicate retina at the back of your eye. Anti-VEGF medications work by blocking this excess protein, preventing further damage and allowing your eye to begin healing.
Unlike eye drops that only treat the surface of your eye or oral medications that affect your entire body, anti-VEGF injections deliver concentrated medicine exactly where it is needed. The medication is injected directly into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside your eye, where it can reach the damaged retina. This targeted approach is more effective and causes fewer side effects than systemic treatments.
Several proven anti-VEGF medications are available, and your retina specialist will recommend the best option based on your specific condition, overall health, and how well you respond to treatment. Each medication has been extensively studied and shown to be effective.
- Avastin (bevacizumab): Widely used off-label with proven effectiveness and affordability
- Lucentis (ranibizumab): FDA-approved specifically for retinal conditions
- Eylea (aflibercept): May allow for longer intervals between treatments
- Vabysmo (faricimab): Targets two different pathways and can extend time between injections
- Susvimo: A surgically-placed port system that delivers continuous medication over months
You may be a candidate for anti-VEGF therapy if you have a retinal condition caused by abnormal blood vessel growth or retinal swelling. We use advanced diagnostic imaging, including Optical Coherence Tomography and Fluorescein Angiography, to examine your retina in detail and determine if this treatment is right for you. Early treatment typically produces the best outcomes, so prompt evaluation is important.
Conditions We Treat with Anti-VEGF Therapy
These injections are the standard of care for several sight-threatening retinal diseases. When started early, before permanent damage occurs, they can prevent blindness and help many patients maintain their independence. Our retina specialists have extensive experience treating these complex conditions.
Wet AMD is a leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 50. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for detailed vision, and leak fluid or blood. This causes rapid loss of central vision needed for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. With regular anti-VEGF treatment, studies show about 90 percent of patients maintain their vision, and 30 to 40 percent may experience improvement. Without treatment, most people lose significant vision within two years.
Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. High blood sugar causes these vessels to leak fluid or grow abnormally, threatening your sight. Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, but anti-VEGF injections can reduce swelling and prevent the growth of harmful new vessels. Combined with good diabetes control, this treatment helps preserve the vision you need for work and daily activities.
A retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein in your retina becomes blocked, similar to a stroke in the eye. This blockage causes blood and fluid to leak into the retina, leading to swelling and vision loss. Anti-VEGF injections are highly effective at reducing this swelling and can significantly improve vision, especially when treatment begins promptly after the blockage occurs.
We also use anti-VEGF therapy to treat several other conditions that threaten your vision. These include myopic choroidal neovascularization in people with severe nearsightedness, macular edema from inflammation or uveitis, and swelling following retinal surgery. Your retina specialist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if anti-VEGF injections are appropriate for your specific situation.
What to Expect During Your Injection
The injection procedure is quick and designed to be as comfortable and safe as possible. We perform these intravitreal injections in our office, and the entire process, including preparation and post-injection monitoring, typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Most patients are surprised by how well-tolerated the procedure is.
Before your injection, we will examine your eye and check your vision and eye pressure. We will clean the area around your eye with an antiseptic solution to minimize any risk of infection. Powerful numbing drops are applied to your eye to ensure your comfort during the procedure. We recommend avoiding eye makeup on the day of your treatment.
A small speculum may be used to gently hold your eyelids open so you do not need to worry about blinking. Your retina specialist will inject the medication with a very thin needle through the white part of your eye into the vitreous cavity. The injection itself takes only seconds. Most patients report feeling only brief pressure or a slight pinch, with no significant pain thanks to the numbing drops.
Immediately following the injection, your vision may be blurry and you might notice small floaters or spots in your vision. These typically clear within a day or two. Your eye may feel slightly scratchy or irritated, which is normal. You should arrange for someone to drive you home, as your vision may remain blurry for several hours. Most people return to light, normal activities the next day, but you should avoid swimming or hot tubs for about a week to reduce infection risk.
We will schedule a follow-up appointment typically within four to eight weeks to monitor how your eye is responding to treatment. These follow-up visits are essential for determining when you need your next injection and ensuring the best possible long-term results. Staying consistent with your treatment schedule is the most important factor in preserving your vision over time.
Benefits and Risks
For the vast majority of patients, the benefits of preventing vision loss far outweigh the potential risks of treatment. Without therapy, most retinal diseases we treat with anti-VEGF injections lead to permanent, severe vision loss. We will discuss both benefits and risks with you in detail so you can make an informed decision about your care.
The primary benefit is preventing blindness and maintaining the vision you need for daily activities like reading, working, driving, and seeing loved ones' faces. Many patients maintain their independence and quality of life thanks to this treatment. Some patients even experience significant improvement in vision, particularly when treatment begins early in the disease process.
Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving within a day or two. You may experience eye redness, mild discomfort or a scratchy feeling, watery eyes, or temporary floaters in your vision. Temporary increases in eye pressure can also occur, which we monitor carefully. These common effects rarely interfere with your daily routine.
Serious complications from anti-VEGF injections are uncommon, occurring in less than one in 1,000 injections. The most significant risk is endophthalmitis, a severe infection inside the eye that requires immediate treatment. Other rare complications include retinal detachment and cataract formation. We take extensive precautions, including strict sterile technique and careful post-injection monitoring, to minimize these risks and ensure your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have questions about anti-VEGF treatment. Here are answers to common concerns our patients share, along with practical guidance to help you prepare.
Treatment frequency varies based on your specific condition and how your eye responds. Most patients begin with monthly injections for the first three to four months to bring the disease under control. As your condition stabilizes, we may be able to extend the interval between treatments to every six, eight, or even twelve weeks. Some newer medications are designed to work for longer periods, reducing the number of visits you need. The goal is always to use the least frequent dosing that keeps your condition controlled and your vision stable.
The numbing drops we use are very effective at preventing pain during the injection. Most patients feel only mild pressure or a brief pinch that lasts just seconds. Many patients tell us the anxiety before their first injection was much worse than the actual procedure. Once you experience how quick and comfortable the process is, subsequent treatments are typically much easier emotionally.
Anti-VEGF injections are most effective at preventing further vision loss, but some patients do regain vision that was recently lost, especially if treatment begins before permanent scarring has occurred. The extent of recovery depends on how long the problem existed and how much damage occurred before treatment started. Even if your vision does not improve, stabilizing your current vision is an important goal that allows you to maintain your independence and quality of life.
If you do not respond well to one anti-VEGF medication, your retina specialist may switch you to a different one, as individual patients sometimes respond better to specific drugs. In some cases, we may combine anti-VEGF therapy with other treatments such as steroid injections or laser therapy. We will work with you to find the most effective treatment approach for your particular situation.
While anti-VEGF injections are essential for controlling your retinal disease, lifestyle changes can improve your outcomes and slow disease progression. Taking an active role in your overall health supports both your treatment and your long-term vision.
- Control underlying conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol through medication, diet, and regular monitoring
- Eat a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, colorful fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish to provide nutrients that support retinal health
- Stop smoking, as tobacco use significantly worsens retinal conditions and reduces treatment effectiveness
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful UV light
You should contact us immediately if you experience severe or worsening eye pain, a sudden decrease in vision, increasing redness, discharge from your eye, or new flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in your vision. These symptoms could indicate a serious complication that requires prompt attention. While such problems are rare, early treatment is critical if they occur. Do not hesitate to reach out with any concerns after your injection.
Expert Retina Care for Your Vision
Our fellowship-trained retina specialists at Dulles Eye Associates have extensive experience using anti-VEGF injections to preserve vision for patients with complex retinal diseases. We combine advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to achieve the best possible outcomes. If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, or another condition that may benefit from anti-VEGF therapy, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in the DC Metro Area. Taking action early gives you the best opportunity to protect your precious gift of sight.
I've been seeing Dr. for years. She went above and beyond during a retina issue, including emergency visits and checking in via text. Truly caring and professional.
N R
I had cataract surgery in both eyes with Dr. Nasrullah. Very professional, friendly staff, clean office following COVID-19 protocols. Truly the #1 eye doctor in Northern Virginia.
Nisar Khan
Our family has received excellent care at Dulles Eye Associates. Dr. Nasrullah performed LASIK on four family members, and all doctors including Dr. Najafi and Dr. Dar are professional and skilled. Highly recommend.
Sue Dow
Our family has received excellent care at Dulles Eye Associates. Dr. Nasrullah performed LASIK on four family members, and all doctors including Dr. Najafi and Dr. Dar are professional and skilled. Highly recommend.
Sue Dow
I had an excellent experience at Advanced Eye Care Center located on West Hanover Ave. They were incredibly efficient in fitting me in on short notice, and I left feeling so much relief. The doctor was thorough and compassionate, and the entire staff (from the front desk to the exam room) was friendly, welcoming, and professional. It’s refreshing to find a healthcare office that combines speed, care, and kindness so seamlessly. I highly recommend this office to anyone in need of eye care!
Irene Gatti