How to Prepare for an Eye Injection Appointment

What to Expect from Intravitreal Injections at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun

When most people think about preserving their vision, they don’t envision a needle near the eye. But for millions of Americans, retinal injections, also known as intravitreal injections, have become essential treatments—often halting or even reversing vision loss from serious eye conditions.

At Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun, our retina specialists use these sight-saving injections to deliver medication directly into the back of the eye, right where it’s needed. While the idea might sound intimidating at first, intravitreal injections are fast, effective, and far less daunting than most patients imagine.

Why Are Retinal Injections Necessary?

Unlike eye drops or pills, which struggle to reach the retina, intravitreal injections place medication into the vitreous—the gel-like substance in the center of your eye. This direct access makes it possible to reduce swelling, slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels, and stop internal bleeding or fluid leakage.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Retinal Injections:

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A condition where abnormal blood vessels grow and leak beneath the retina.
Diabetic Retinopathy & Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Caused by blood vessel damage due to diabetes, these conditions may result in fluid leakage or blocked circulation.
Retinal Vein Occlusion: Often described as an “eye stroke,” this leads to pressure and swelling in the retina.
Uveitis: Inflammatory disease inside the eye, often treated with steroid-based injections.

These conditions are progressive, and in many cases, timely treatment is the only way to preserve or restore vision. Without intervention, vision loss may become permanent.

What to Expect During a Retinal Injection Appointment

The procedure itself is non-surgical, typically takes just a few minutes, and is performed right in the office. Here’s what you can expect:

Before Your Appointment

Eat a light meal: This helps maintain stable blood sugar and reduces the chance of feeling lightheaded.
Bring sunglasses: Your pupils will likely be dilated, making your eyes sensitive to light afterward.
Arrange a ride if needed: While many patients drive themselves home, having someone accompany you can offer peace of mind.

During the Procedure

Your retina specialist will apply numbing eye drops or gel to eliminate discomfort.
The skin and surface of the eye are cleaned thoroughly.
A small device called a speculum may be used to gently hold the eyelids open.
The injection is delivered to the white part of the eye (sclera)—a quick and nearly painless process that takes only seconds.
You might see brief shadows or lights, which is normal.
The eye is rinsed and checked before you’re cleared to go home.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

Most patients experience little to no discomfort following the procedure. Some may notice:

Slight scratchiness or redness (typically resolves within a day)
Mild floaters or blurriness (short-lived)

The key to success with retinal injections is consistency. Many conditions require ongoing treatment—sometimes monthly—to maintain vision and prevent further deterioration. Skipping even one appointment can undo progress, so it’s important to follow your recommended treatment plan closely.

A Brighter Outlook with Modern Retinal Care

While an eye injection may not sound like something to look forward to, it’s one of the most powerful tools in modern eye care. At Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun, we’ve performed thousands of retinal injections, helping patients across East Tennessee keep their vision stable and their lives in focus.

Serving patients in Knoxville, Powell, Sevierville, Maryville, and Newport

Call us at 865-584-0905.
Request your appointment HERE.

Your vision matters. With advanced retinal care and a compassionate team by your side, even the most serious conditions can be managed successfully—one step (and one injection) at a time.