Why Would You Need Shots in the Eye for Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss, particularly in people over the age of fifty. It affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. There are two main forms of the disease known as dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. While dry macular degeneration progresses slowly and does not have a curative treatment, wet macular degeneration requires more immediate intervention because it can lead to rapid and severe vision loss. One of the most common treatments for wet macular degeneration is the use of injections directly into the eye.
Understanding Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood into the macula. This leakage causes swelling, scarring, and damage to the retinal cells that are responsible for central vision. Without treatment, wet macular degeneration can quickly impair a person’s ability to read, recognize faces, or drive. The injections commonly prescribed for this condition are designed to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce fluid leakage.
How Eye Injections Work
The injections used for macular degeneration typically contain anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication, also known as anti-VEGF therapy. VEGF is a protein that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels. In wet macular degeneration, VEGF contributes to the abnormal vessel growth beneath the retina. By blocking VEGF, the medication helps prevent further growth of these vessels and reduces leakage. This stabilization can protect central vision and in some cases improve visual clarity.
The Injection Procedure
The procedure for giving an eye injection is performed in an ophthalmologist’s office. The eye is first numbed with anesthetic drops, and the surface is cleaned to prevent infection. The physician then uses a very fine needle to deliver the medication directly into the vitreous, which is the gel-like substance inside the eye. The process is quick and usually completed in just a few minutes. Most patients feel only slight pressure or mild discomfort, and the risk of complications is low when the procedure is performed under sterile conditions.
Why Injections Are Necessary
Injections are necessary because oral medications or eye drops cannot deliver the medication effectively to the retina. The macula is located at the back of the eye, and delivering medication directly into the vitreous ensures that it reaches the area where it is needed most. Without direct administration, the drug would not be able to achieve therapeutic levels in the retina. This is why injections remain the standard of care for treating wet macular degeneration.
Frequency of Treatment
Patients typically require multiple injections over time. The frequency depends on the severity of the condition and how the retina responds to therapy. In the initial stages of treatment, injections may be given monthly to quickly control leakage and vessel growth. Over time, if the disease stabilizes, the interval between injections may be extended. Some patients may eventually need fewer injections, while others require ongoing therapy to maintain results.
Benefits of Eye Injections
The main benefit of injections for macular degeneration is preservation of vision. While the treatment does not cure the disease, it can slow its progression and prevent severe central vision loss. Many patients also experience an improvement in vision, particularly if treatment begins early. Maintaining vision allows patients to continue daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces, which supports independence and quality of life.