Diabetes can lead to several complications affecting the eyes, most notably diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retinal blood vessels that can cause vision loss if not treated effectively. One of the possible treatments for managing diabetic eye disease involves injections, often referred to as “shots in the eye.”
How Diabetes Affects the Eyes
High blood sugar levels over time can damage small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina at the back of the eye. This damage causes leakage, swelling, and abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, collectively known as diabetic retinopathy.
One major complication is diabetic macular edema (DME), where fluid accumulates in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp detailed vision. Swelling in the macula can lead to blurred or distorted vision.
Why Are Eye Injections Used?
The primary reason for eye injections in diabetic patients is to reduce swelling and prevent further damage related to diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance inside the eye, ensuring effective local treatment.
Injecting medication into the eye increases its concentration at the site of retinal damage, offering improved efficacy over oral or topical treatments that have limited access to the retina.
Types of Medications Administered
Most eye injections for diabetic eye disease involve anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. VEGF is a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal new blood vessels and increases vascular leakage.
Anti-VEGF agents block VEGF activity, reducing new vessel formation and leakage, which decreases swelling and prevents vision loss. Commonly used anti-VEGF drugs include ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab.
In some cases, corticosteroids may be injected to reduce inflammation and fluid accumulation, especially if patients do not respond adequately to anti-VEGF therapy.
Benefits of Shots in Your Eye from Diabetes
Eye injections can stabilize or improve vision by reducing macular swelling and preventing progression of retinal damage. Early and consistent treatment can prevent severe vision loss or blindness in diabetic patients.
These injections are minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, offering targeted therapy without systemic side effects.
The Injection Procedure
During the procedure, the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops. The surface of the eye is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce infection risk. Using a fine needle, the medication is injected into the vitreous cavity through the white part of the eye.
The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and may cause minor discomfort or a sensation of pressure. Protective measures such as eye shields are used as needed. Patients can usually resume normal activities soon after the injection.
Frequency and Treatment Course
Treatment typically requires a series of injections over weeks or months. Initially, injections may be given every 4 to 6 weeks to control swelling.
The exact frequency depends on the severity of the disease and the patient’s response. After stabilization, injection intervals may become longer or treatments may stop with close monitoring.
Risks and Side Effects
While generally safe, eye injections carry some risks including eye infection (endophthalmitis), increased intraocular pressure, bleeding, cataract progression, and retinal detachment. Serious complications are rare but require urgent medical attention.
Temporary side effects like redness, mild discomfort, and floaters are common and usually resolve quickly.
Importance of Early Treatment and Monitoring
Diabetic eye disease often progresses silently without early symptoms. Regular eye exams are critical for detection and timely treatment.
Early intervention with eye injections improves visual outcomes and reduces the risk of severe complications.
Patients with diabetes should maintain good blood sugar control alongside ocular treatments to support eye health.