Intravitreal Eye Injections for Retinal Conditions in Long Beach, CA
Eye injections — also known as intravitreal injections — provide a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment option for a range of serious retinal conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion. At Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA, board-certified ophthalmologist Darren Knight, MD, and his team administer eye injections using a mutually selected anesthetic technique designed to ensure your optimal safety and comfort throughout the procedure. Call (562) 534-1777 today or book your appointment online.
What Are Intravitreal Eye Injections?
Intravitreal eye injections are a minimally invasive treatment approach used to deliver prescription medication directly into the vitreous — the gel-like fluid that fills the interior of the eye — in order to target the retina and surrounding tissues as precisely as possible. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of nerve tissue at the back of the eye responsible for capturing visual information and sending it to the brain. When retinal disease is present, getting medication as close to the source as possible produces the most effective results with fewer systemic side effects.
Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Knight may inject one of several types of medication, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs, corticosteroids, or antibiotics. Anti-VEGF medications are among the most commonly used and work by blocking the abnormal growth of blood vessels that can damage the retina in conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Steroids help reduce inflammation and fluid buildup, while antibiotics are used when an infection is contributing to retinal damage. Before administering any injection, Dr. Knight applies a local anesthetic to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
What Retinal Conditions Can Be Treated With Eye Injections?
The Apex Retina Institute team uses intravitreal eye injections to treat a variety of retinal and vitreous conditions. These include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, retinal vascular disease including retinal vein occlusion, and certain cases involving persistent floaters and flashes. Eye injections may also be used to treat intraocular infections of viral, bacterial, or fungal origin. If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions or have been referred for a retinal evaluation, call Apex Retina Institute at (562) 534-1777 to discuss whether intravitreal injections may be right for you.
What Is the Process for Getting Eye Injections at Apex Retina Institute?
Eye injections at Apex Retina Institute are performed as a quick, comfortable outpatient procedure right in our Long Beach office — no hospital visit or general anesthesia required. When you arrive, you will be seated in a comfortable reclining chair. Dr. Knight begins by thoroughly cleaning your eyelids and the surface of the eye with a sterile solution to minimize any risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then applied so that you feel little to no discomfort during the injection itself.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, Dr. Knight applies a povidone-iodine solution around your eyelids as an additional antiseptic measure. A small instrument called an eyelid speculum is gently placed to hold your eyelids open throughout the procedure. Dr. Knight then introduces a very fine needle into the white of the eye — known as the sclera — and carefully delivers the medication into the vitreous cavity. The needle is removed, the eye is flushed with an antiseptic solution, and you are moved to a brief recovery area. From start to finish, the entire procedure typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
What Is Recovery Like After Eye Injections?
Recovery from intravitreal eye injections is generally straightforward for most patients. You should plan to take the remainder of the day off from work and give your eye time to rest. Because your vision may be temporarily affected by the anesthetic and dilation, you will not be able to drive yourself home — please arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you to your appointment. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities, including work, by the following day.
It is normal to experience mild redness, a scratchy sensation, or some blurring of vision for a day or two following the procedure. However, if you develop significant eye pain, a sudden increase in floaters, worsening blurred vision, or any signs of infection such as discharge or increased swelling, contact Apex Retina Institute at (562) 534-1777 immediately, as these symptoms may require prompt attention.
Approximately one month after your injection, Dr. Knight will ask you to return to Apex Retina Institute for a follow-up examination. At this visit, he will complete a thorough eye exam, review your imaging, and assess how well your retina has responded to treatment. Many conditions — including retinal vascular disease and macular degeneration — require ongoing injections on a regular schedule to maintain their effectiveness. Dr. Knight will work with you to develop a personalized long-term treatment plan that fits your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and vision goals. To find out whether you are a candidate for eye injections, request an appointment online or call Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA at (562) 534-1777 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Injections
Are eye injections painful?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable intravitreal eye injections are. Dr. Knight applies a topical anesthetic to the eye before the procedure, which significantly reduces any sensation during the injection. Some patients report a brief feeling of pressure, but pain is uncommon. The entire procedure takes only 15 to 20 minutes, and the Apex Retina Institute team takes every precaution to make sure your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How often do I need eye injections?
The frequency of eye injections depends on your specific condition and how your eye responds to treatment. Some patients require monthly injections, while others may be transitioned to a less frequent schedule over time as their condition stabilizes. Conditions like macular degeneration and retinal vascular disease often require ongoing treatment. Dr. Knight will establish a personalized treatment schedule based on your retinal imaging and clinical response at each follow-up visit.
What medications are used in intravitreal eye injections?
The most commonly used medications in intravitreal injections are anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents, which block the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce fluid leakage in the retina. These are used to treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Corticosteroids may be used to address inflammation and macular edema, while antibiotics are reserved for cases involving intraocular infection. Dr. Knight will recommend the appropriate medication based on your diagnosis and medical history.
How long does it take to see results from eye injections?
Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within the first few weeks following their initial injection, though results vary depending on the condition being treated and how advanced it is at the time of treatment. For chronic conditions like macular degeneration, the primary goal of injections is often to stabilize vision and prevent further loss rather than to restore lost vision. Dr. Knight monitors your progress at each follow-up visit using advanced retinal imaging to assess your response to treatment.
Are there any risks associated with eye injections?
Intravitreal eye injections are generally very safe when performed by an experienced retina specialist. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including temporary eye redness or irritation, floaters caused by small air bubbles in the injection, increased eye pressure, and in rare cases, infection or bleeding. Dr. Knight and the Apex Retina Institute team follow strict sterile protocols to minimize these risks and will discuss any concerns you have prior to your procedure. If you experience unusual symptoms after your injection, contact our office at (562) 534-1777 right away.
Can eye injections be combined with other retinal treatments?
Yes, in some cases eye injections are used in combination with other treatments for the best possible outcomes. For example, patients with diabetic retinopathy may receive both intravitreal injections and retinal laser therapy as part of their comprehensive care plan. Dr. Knight will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the combination of treatments most likely to preserve and protect your vision long-term.
How do I schedule eye injections at Apex Retina Institute?
To schedule your eye injection consultation at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA, call our office at (562) 534-1777 or request an appointment online. If you are a new patient, visit our new patients page to learn what to bring and what to expect at your first visit. We accept a wide range of insurance plans — review our insurances page or call us to verify your coverage before your appointment.