Intravitreal Injections in Sydney: Anti-VEGF and more

What if preserving your vision could be achieved with a swift, minimally invasive procedure? And what if this treatment was more comfortable than you’d expect?

I’m Dr. Mitch Lee, an ophthalmic surgeon with a professional focus on vitreoretinal surgery, retina and cataract procedures, and complex anterior segment conditions. As the Head of Ophthalmology at Nepean Public Hospital and co-founder of Eagle Eye Surgeons, I have extensive experience in managing retinal diseases, including the administration of intravitreal injections.

Intravitreal injections allow for targeted treatment of retinal and macular conditions. They enable us to address diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion effectively. Notably, anti-VEGF (anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections have been shown to help 95% of patients maintain their vision, with approximately one in three experiencing measurable vision improvement.

Key Takeaways

• Intravitreal injections are efficient, targeted, and generally well-tolerated.
• They play a crucial role in managing progressive retinal diseases.
• Clinical studies support the efficacy of anti-VEGF treatments in preserving vision.

What Are Intravitreal Injections?

Intravitreal injections are a method of administering medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This approach allows for high concentrations of the drug to reach the retina, a critical part of the visual system that is challenging to target with eye drops or oral medications.

This technique is widely adopted in ophthalmology due to its effectiveness in managing conditions that threaten vision. By delivering medication precisely where it’s needed, we can slow disease progression and, in some cases, achieve improvements in retinal health.

Many serious eye conditions originate deep within the retina, necessitating direct intervention.

• Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Anti-VEGF injections inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, helping to preserve central vision essential for activities like reading and driving.
• Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Oedema: These conditions involve retinal swelling and bleeding. Intravitreal injections reduce fluid accumulation, thereby protecting vision in individuals with long-term diabetes.
• Retinal Vein Occlusion: Blockages in retinal veins can lead to fluid leakage and swelling. Injections address macular oedema and mitigate the risk of further complications, such as neovascularization.
• Uveitis and Endophthalmitis: These inflammatory or infectious conditions require prompt treatment. Intravitreal injections deliver targeted antibiotics, antivirals, or steroids directly to the affected area.

Each condition requires a customized treatment plan, and intravitreal injections provide the precision required for effective management.

Types Of Medications Used

How do we decide what to inject into your eye?

That decision depends entirely on your diagnosis. Each medication we use is chosen to match the underlying cause of your condition.

• Anti-VEGF Medications: Drugs such as Lucentis, Eylea, and Vabysmo block a protein which causes vascular endothelial growth factor. VEGF encourages the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels. These medications are our first-line treatment for conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration and retinal vein occlusion, where fluid leakage and swelling need to be controlled quickly and effectively.
• Steroids: Inflammatory conditions such as uveitis or diabetic macular oedema sometimes respond better to corticosteroids. Ozurdex implants release steroid medication slowly over time, while triamcinolone provides more immediate anti-inflammatory relief. The choice depends on the urgency and extent of inflammation present.
• Antimicrobials: In cases of infection, such as endophthalmitis, we use targeted antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungal agents. These are delivered directly into the eye to contain the infection and protect the retina from further damage.

All our treatments are chosen after careful diagnosis, informed by years of experience managing retinal disease.

What To Expect During an Intravitreal Injection

Can something that sounds so uncomfortable really be so quick?

Most people are surprised by how straightforward the procedure is. The injection itself takes only a few seconds, and with the right preparation, it’s well tolerated.

I begin by applying anaesthetic eye drops to numb the surface of your eye. Once that takes effect, I apply antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. In some cases, I may place a small instrument (called a speculum) to gently keep the eyelids apart—this ensures you don’t blink during the injection.

The medication is injected through a precise entry point in the white part of the eye called the pars plana. This area is away from sensitive structures and contains no pain receptors. Most patients say they feel a sense of pressure rather than any pain.

After the injection, your vision might be slightly blurry and you could notice floaters. These effects are usually short-lived. I typically recommend lubricating drops for comfort and ask you to avoid rubbing the eye or swimming for a few days.

How Often Are Injections Needed?

How many injections are required—just one, or ongoing?

That depends entirely on your condition and how your eye responds. We usually start with a loading phase: injections are given monthly for the first three to six months to stabilise the disease and establish a baseline for progress.

From there, we move into a maintenance phase. You may continue injections every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on how active the disease is. In some cases, I’ll use a “treat and extend” approach, where we gradually lengthen the time between treatments if the retina stays dry and stable.

At every appointment, I use OCT imaging to check for any signs of fluid or swelling in the retina. This scan is fast, painless, and helps us track your progress with precision.

Every eye responds differently. The key is close monitoring and flexibility.

Benefits Of Intravitreal Injections

Why are these injections such a core part of my practice?

Because for many conditions, they’re the most effective way to preserve—and sometimes improve—your vision.

• High success in maintaining sight: Clinical studies show that around 95% of patients maintain their eyesight with anti-VEGF injections. Roughly one in three experience measurable gains in visual clarity.
• Minimal impact on the rest of the body: Since the medication is delivered directly to the eye, we avoid the systemic side effects sometimes associated with tablets or infusions. It’s a highly localised treatment with fast, focused results.
• Well-supported by research: These injections are backed by decades of evidence from clinical trials and real-world practice. For many of my patients, the benefit goes beyond numbers—it’s the confidence to keep driving, reading, and living independently.

Risks And Side Effects

Like all medical procedures, intravitreal injections carry some risks, but overall, they’re safe and well tolerated.

• Mild side effects are common: You may notice some redness, a scratchy feeling, or blurry vision after the injection. These symptoms are temporary and usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Floaters may also appear briefly.
• Serious risks are rare: The most serious complication is endophthalmitis, a severe infection inside the eye, which occurs in about 1 in 3,000 injections. Retinal detachment or increased eye pressure are also possible, but treatable if addressed early. If you experience pain, vision loss, or flashes of light after an injection, contact us immediately.
• Medication sensitivity: Some patients may react poorly to a specific drug. If that happens, I’ll switch you to a suitable alternative. We always review your medical history carefully before selecting a treatment.

The risk is low. The benefit—preserving your vision—is substantial.

Why Choose Eagle Eye Surgeons for Retinal Injections?

Who you trust with your eyes matters.

At Eagle Eye Surgeons, I bring extensive professional experience in managing conditions like wet AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. I have a strong interest in surgical and medical retina care, and I stay closely involved in every aspect of your treatment.

We use advanced diagnostics—like OCT and fundus photography—to guide our decisions and tailor your care precisely. Having these tools available on-site means we can make faster, better-informed choices.

You’ll see me personally, and I take time to explain your condition, your scans, and your options. This isn’t a rushed, one-size-fits-all experience. It’s care that’s responsive and grounded in what’s best for your long-term vision.

Final Thoughts

Intravitreal injections have changed how we treat retinal conditions—and for good reason. They’re efficient, effective, and they offer real hope for preserving vision in situations where other treatments fall short.

If you’ve been diagnosed with AMD, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal swelling, I encourage you to act early. These conditions can progress quietly, but we have tools that can make a major difference.

We have two convenient locations in Sydney. Our Mosman clinic on the Lower North Shore offers ground floor access, on-site parking, and excellent public transport links. Our Nepean clinic offers two hours of free on-site parking and easy access opposite Nepean Hospital. You can call us on (02) 7228 3900 (MOSMAN) or (02) 7228 3556 (NEPEAN) or arrange an appointment online through this website.