Periocular and intravitreal corticosteroid injections of Kenalogare used for treatment in cases of macular edema and uveitis. When used in conjunction with laser treatment, these steroid injections are effective at reducing swelling of the macula and “tighten” blood vessels to prevent leaking.
During the procedure itself, your eye will be cleaned to prevent infection. A topical anaesthetic will then be used to numb the eye(s) receiving the steroid injection. This treatment is painless and is usually finished within less than 10 minutes. After which patients are free to return home.
Patients undergoing treatment with periocular and intravitreal steroids are required to return for additional treatments. The schedule of these treatments will depend upon the underlying condition and severity. During these appointments, your retinal specialist will also monitor your progress and manage any changes in your retinal condition.
Recovery after Periocular and Intravitreal Steroid Injections
Patients are free to return to their daily activities immediately after receiving treatment with periocular or intravitreal steroid injections.
Patients may notice cloudy vision and appearance of floaters – small dark shapes that appear in your frontal field of vision – in the treated eye(s). The cloudiness should subside within 1 or 2 days while the floaters will disappear within about 2 weeks.
However, if patients experience any of the following symptoms, they should contact their retinal specialist immediately:
- Pain
- Blurry or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness in the treated eye(s) lasting longer than 3 days
- Running discharge of fluids or pus from the eye(s) that received treatment
The eye needs to be kept clean. Avoid touching the eye or getting any water in it for the first 2 days after receiving treatment. A prescription of antibiotic eye drops will be given for use as directed by your retinal specialist. If the eye feels dry or irritated use a fresh bottle of artificial tears to soothe and lubricate the eye.