Intravitreal Eye Injections Sydney
Specialist retinal injections delivered with care and precision
Intravitreal Eye Injections, Sydney
Eye injections, also known as intravitreal injections, are commonly used to manage retinal conditions including wet age-related macular degeneration, advanced dry macular degeneration (geographic atrophy), diabetic macular oedema, retinal vein occlusion and myopic choroidal neovascularisation.
At Eye and Retina Specialists in Waterloo, near Green Square, intravitreal injection therapy forms a core part of our retina practice. Treatment is guided by specialist retinal assessment, OCT imaging and an individualised plan designed to control retinal fluid, stabilise vision and preserve macular function. Our approach to eye injections prioritises precision, safety, patient comfort and continuity of care.
Intravitreal injections in Waterloo near Green Square
Eye and Retina Specialists provides intravitreal eye injections in Waterloo for patients from Zetland, Alexandria, Rosebery, Redfern, Kensington, Randwick, Kingsford, Mascot, Darlinghurst, Centennial Park, Newtown, Woollahra, Coogee, Bondi Junction, Surry Hills, Marrickville, Earlwood, the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and across Sydney .
For patients requiring repeated retinal injections, practical access matters. Our clinic provides retinal assessment, OCT imaging and injection treatment in one location, with free patient parking, lift access and a dedicated procedure room. Our specialists take the time to explain your condition, describe your test results and explain any questions you or your family may have. We care for numerous long term injection patients who have been attending the clinic for many years.
These factors are particularly important for patients with chronic retinal conditions who may need regular treatment over months or years. Consistent follow-up, accurate OCT monitoring and reliable appointment access can make long-term treatment easier for patients and family members.
What are intravitreal eye injections ?
Intravitreal eye injections deliver medication into the vitreous cavity, the gel-filled space inside the eye. This allows the medicine to act directly at the retina and macula, where fluid, swelling or abnormal blood vessel growth may be affecting vision.
Most eye injections are used to reduce leakage or swelling at the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for reading vision, facial recognition and fine detail. When fluid accumulates at the macula, patients may notice blurred vision, distortion, difficulty reading or a dark patch in the central vision.
Most patients require a series of injections over time, with treatment intervals tailored individually to each patient's condition and response.
Illustration of an intravitreal injection delivering treatment into the vitreous cavity of the eye
Conditions treated with Eye Injections
Eye intravitreal injections are used in the management of the following eye conditions:
Wet macular degeneration
Wet age-related macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak fluid or blood. Anti-VEGF injections are used to control leakage, reduce macular fluid and help stabilise vision.
Geographic atrophy (advanced dry macular degeneration)
Geographic atrophy is an advanced form of macular degeneration that can cause progressive loss of central vision. Complement inhibitor injections, such as pegcetacoplan, have been shown to slow the progression of geographic atrophy in selected patients. Suitability depends on factors such as the size and location of geographic atrophy, the status of the fellow eye and retinal findings.
Diabetic macular oedema
Diabetic macular oedema occurs when diabetes damages retinal blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into the macula. Intravitreal injections may be recommended when macular swelling is affecting vision or threatening central vision. Anti-VEGF injections and an intravitreal steroid implant both are effective treatments for diabetic macular oedema in most patients.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is an advanced stage of diabetic eye disease where abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina or optic nerve. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections may be used to regress active neovascularisation, especially when there is vitreous haemorrhage, high-risk new vessel growth, coexisting diabetic macular oedema, or before retinal laser or surgery.
Retinal vein occlusion
A retinal vein occlusion can cause retinal bleeding, swelling and sudden blurred vision. Intravitreal eye injections of ant-VEGF medication or a steroid implant called Ozurdex are used to reduce macular oedema and help preserve central vision in patients without ischaemic retinal damage.
Myopic maculopathy
In some patients with high myopia (short sightedness greater than -6 dioptres), abnormal blood vessels can develop beneath the retina. These blood vessels can bleed and leak fluid into the retina and cause irreversible macular scarring. If promptly assessed and treated, anti-VEGF injections have been shown to be able to deactivate the leaking blood vessels. Often only a small number of injections are needed.
Other causes of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV)
Choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) can occur from other causes, including inflammatory eye disease, trauma, angioid streaks, or idiopathic CNV. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections may be used to control leakage, reduce macular fluid and lower the risk of central macular irreversible damage.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)
In selected cases of chronic CSCR, intravitreal eye injections may be considered when there is secondary choroidal neovascularisation or persistent macular fluid where the retinal specialist feels injection treatment is appropriate.
Anti-VEGF medications and retinal injection treatments
Many retinal injections involve anti-VEGF medication. VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor, a signal involved in abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. Anti-VEGF treatment helps reduce retinal fluid and control abnormal leaking blood vessels.
Intravitreal eye injection medications used in the treatment of wet macular degeneration and geographic atrophy
Our clinic specialises in intravitreal eye injection therapy, using medications including:
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Eylea 2mg, Aflqlir 2mg (aflibercept)
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Eylea HD 8mg (aflibercept)
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Vabysmo (faricimab)
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Lucentis (ranibizumab)
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Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) - for macular geographic atrophy
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Avastin (bevacizumab)
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Kenacort (triamcinolone) - steroid
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Ozurdex (dexamethasone implant) - steroid
The choice of medication depends on the diagnosis, OCT findings, previous treatment response, medication eligibility, treatment goals and individual patient factors. Anti-VEGF medications such as Eylea, Lucentis and Vabysmo are commonly used for wet macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion.
Steroid treatments such as Ozurdex may be considered in patients who have had cataract surgery or have upcoming cataract surgery planned, particularly where inflammation or persistent macular oedema is present.
Ozurdex intravitreal steroid implant treatment
What to Expect During an Eye Injection
It is normal for patients to be anxious about the thought of an eye injection, especially before their first treatment. Our specialists understand this and do their best to keep you feeling reassured and comfortable.
Routine eye injections are performed in our dedicated clinic Procedure Room, and are designed to be as safe, efficient and comfortable as possible. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) with Choosing Wisely Australia specifically advises surgeons not to perform routine intravitreal injections in a hospital or day surgery setting unless there is a valid clinical indication.
Before the procedure, anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye. The eye is then carefully cleaned to minimise the risk of infection.
The injection itself only takes a few seconds. Most patients feel little to no pain, although some may notice mild pressure.
After the injection, the vision may be slightly blurred for a short period. Most patients notice a swirl of medication as it enters the eye before quickly resolving. Patients can usually return home shortly afterwards. Most patients are surprised by how quick and straight forward the process is.
Eye and Retina Specialists patient explaining her individual subjective experience of intravitreal eye injections
How Often Will I Need Eye Injections?
The frequency of eye injections varies depending on the condition being treated and how the eye responds to therapy. In many cases, treatment begins with a series of injections given at regular intervals to bring the condition under control. Once stabilised, the interval between injections can often be gradually extended. Some patients require ongoing injections over time to maintain their vision, while others may need less frequent treatment depending on their response.
At our clinic, treatment plans are tailored individually, guided by clinical examination and OCT imaging at each visit. The goal is to use the minimum number of injections required to safely maintain your vision.
Are Eye Injections Safe ? What are the risks?
Intravitreal eye injections are a well-established and widely used treatment for retinal conditions, with a strong safety record when performed in a controlled clinical setting.
The procedure is carried out using strict sterile techniques to minimise the risk of infection. Serious complications are uncommon, and the vast majority of patients undergo treatment without any significant issues. However, like with all medical procedures, there are risks associated with intravitreal eye injections. Rare but more serious risks include infection inside the eye, known as endophthalmitis, retinal tear or retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, significant inflammation, raised eye pressure, cataract from accidental lens touch, or a significant drop in vision. Endophthalmitis is uncommon, with reported rates after anti-VEGF injections around 1 in 1000 to 1: 5000, but it requires urgent treatment and is a potentially blinding condition or an lead to loss of the eye.
Some patients may experience mild temporary symptoms after an injection, such as slight irritation, a gritty sensation or small floaters, which usually settle within a few days.
At Eye and Retina Specialists, all injections are performed with careful attention to safety and patient comfort. Your specialist will discuss these risks with you and answer any questions you may have.
Ensuring a sterile field and use of sterile technique is critical when performing intravitreal eye injections
Choosing a clinic for intravitreal eye injections
Many patients need repeated eye injections over months or years. The injection itself is only one part of treatment. Long-term care also depends on accurate OCT interpretation, consistent follow-up, timely appointments and a treatment plan that adjusts to the response of the retina.
When choosing a clinic for eye injections, it is reasonable to consider the level of care and commuincation received, the amount of time your specialist spends answering your questions, whether the treating specialist regularly manages retinal disease, whether injection appointments are efficient, and whether the clinic is easy to attend for repeated visits.
At Eye and Retina Specialists, intravitreal injections form a core part of our practice. We have a strong focus on efficiency, safety and continuity of care and aim to provide patients with a clear understanding of their condition and treatment plan. Patients frequently choose our clinic for:
Specialist-led care
All injections are performed by an eye specialist experienced in performing eye injections
Efficient appointments
Streamlined visits designed to minimise waiting time
Continuity of care
You are reviewed and treated by the same specialist over time
Individualised treatment plans
Injection intervals tailored using OCT imaging and clinical response
Engaged, caring approach
Our surgeons and staff build genuine rapport with patients and their relatives, and take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you have at each and every appointment.
Comfort and Convenience
Procedures are performed in a calm, controlled clinical environment. We are centrally located in the rapidly growing Green Square precinct between Sydney CBD and Sydney Airport. Numerous public transport options and free patient parking are available.
Our goal is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment while making the process as straightforward and convenient as possible. This is particularly important for patients requiring regular injections, where consistency and efficiency makes a significant difference over time.
Eye and Retina Specialists is located in Green Square Waterloo close to Sydney CBD
Medicare rebates and treatment costs
Eye and Retina Specialists is a private specialist clinic. Patients with a valid referral will receive Medicare rebates for their specialist consultations, OCT imaging and intravitreal injection treatment when the relevant Medicare criteria are met. For patients receiving intravitreal injections, the clinic does not charge for OCT imaging which is performed at almost every visit. Where PBS funding or authority approval is available for a medication, our clinic will submit the required paperwork to gain approval.
For an eligible intravitreal eye injection, the 2026 Medicare rebate is $298.25, which is 85% of the MBS schedule fee. Once the Original Medicare Safety Net threshold ($594 in 2026) is reached, Medicare rebates increase for eligible out-of-hospital services. The Extended Medicare Safety Net may further increase rebates for eligible out-of-hospital services once the relevant annual threshold is reached. In 2026, the Extended Medicare Safety Net threshold is $861.20 for concession card holders and eligible families, and $2,699.10 for general patients and families.
We understand that ongoing intravitreal eye injection treatment can be financially challenging. Reduced pension rates are available for eligible patients. Where possible, our clinic supports patients with genuine need through our Retina Access Program to reduce the out-of-pocket expense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are eye injections painful?
Most patients tolerate eye injections well. Anaesthetic drops are used before the injection. Many patients feel pressure, awareness of the injection or a brief sting rather than significant pain.
Can I drive after an eye injection?
Some patients can drive after an eye injection, but vision may be blurred from drops, antiseptic, surface irritation or the underlying retinal condition. Many patients prefer to have someone accompany them, especially for their first injection.
How long does an eye injection take?
The injection itself usually takes only a few seconds. The appointment is longer because it includes vision assessment, OCT imaging, clinical review, preparation of the eye and aftercare instructions.
How many injections will I need?
This depends on the retinal condition and OCT response. Some patients need an initial series of injections followed by longer intervals. Others require ongoing injections at regular intervals to keep the macula stable.
What should I avoid after an eye injection?
Avoid rubbing the eye after treatment. Your specialist will give you specific aftercare instructions. Contact the clinic urgently if you develop increasing pain, worsening redness, marked light sensitivity or a significant drop in vision.
Are eye injections covered by Medicare?
Eligible patients receive Medicare rebates for specialist assessment and injection treatment when they have a valid referral. Out-of-pocket costs depend on the medication, indication and individual circumstances. Eye and Retina Specialists offers a pensioner reduced rate and has a Retina Access Program for those with genuine financial need.
Which eye injection medication is best?
There is no single best medication for every patient. The choice may depend on the diagnosis, OCT findings, previous response to treatment, treatment interval, medication eligibility and risk profile. Our ophthalmologists will discuss this with you in further detail during your consultation.
Can I transfer my injections from another clinic?
Yes. Patients already receiving intravitreal injections elsewhere can be assessed for transfer of care. It is helpful to bring previous letters, OCT scans, injection dates and medication history where available.
We frequently are referred patients transferring from busy public hospital eye clinics for ongoing intravitreal injection treatment. Patients often value shorter waiting times, continuity with the same eye specialist, easier appointment access and convenient free parking for assisting relatives. As a pub lic service, a reduced rate may be available for patients transferring from a busy public hospital injection clinic to help ease the burden. We suggest you discuss this with your general practitioner or optometrist and ask for a referral if you would like to transfer care.
Need ongoing eye injections in Sydney?
Eye and Retina Specialists provides intravitreal injection treatment in Waterloo near Green Square, with OCT imaging, specialist retinal care, free patient parking and lift access.
Call 02 9699 0001, email reception@eyeandretina.com.au or upload your referral here.