Caring for your eye after the injection
This leaflet has been produced so that you understand
what to expect after your injection.
It also contains contact details in and out of office hours.
What to expect after your injection
Your eye/s may feel gritty or irritated for 24 – 48 hours after
the injection this will settle. If your eye/s are uncomfortable
you can take some paracetamol or ibuprofen (if tolerated)
to help with the discomfort. You may also purchase
lubricating drops from the pharmacy this may help to sooth
the eye. If you are to use lubricating drops fresh bottles
must be used after each injection.
Floaters or blobs in your vision is normal and will disappear
within a few days. These floaters occur due to tiny air
bubbles forming in the medication that is to be injected.
The white part of the injected eye can develop a painless
bruise/ haemorrhage on the surface of the eye, this may
last up to 14 days. This bruise can make the eye appear
bloodshot.
Post-operative advice after your injection
• Do not rub the injected eye, there is a risk of causing
a scratch to the front surface of the eye whilst the
anaesthetic drops used to numb your eye are still
effective.
• Wash your hands thoroughly prior to touching your
eye/s.
• The eye can be gently cleaned using a clean tissue if
you need to wipe any excess tears away. Dispose of the
tissue after each wipe and use a new fresh tissue each
time you clean the eye.
• Avoid tap water/ soap or shampoo getting into the
injected eye for 48 hours after your injection.
• Do not go swimming for one week after the injection.
• You must continue to use any other eye drops that have
been prescribed for you ensuring that fresh bottles are
used in the injected eye following each injection.
• Do not be concerned if you experience any blood
stained tears.
• Do not wear your contact lenses for 24 hours.
• Do not wear eye makeup for 24 hours.
Possible signs of complications
• Sensitivity to light.
• Pain that does not resolve after taking pain killers.
• Reduction in your vision.
• Floaters, flashing lights or a curtain appearing in the
vision.
• Yellow coloured discharge.
• Increasing number of black dots or floaters.
In the event you experience any of the above
complications please contact the Medical Retina Unit
(office hours) or ward 14 (out of hours) immediately.
A nurse will triage your call and arrange the appropriate
support/guidance for you.
Contact information
Medical Retina Unit 01253 956739
Monday – Friday, 0800 – 17.30
Ophthalmic Surgical Unit 01253 957421
Monday – Friday, 0800 – 1800
For out of hours advice please contact
Ward 14 on 01253 953414
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Author Ophthalmic Department
Approved by Ophthalmology Governance Meeting
Date Of Publication 16/10/2024
Review Date 01/10/2027
Reference No PL/1312 (v2)
