The idea of an injection in the eye alarms almost everyone at first, and families in Lokhandwala often come to the consultation with a parent who has been advised to have one. Intravitreal injections deliver anti-VEGF or steroid medicine directly into the gel of the eye to reduce swelling and control abnormal blood vessels in conditions such as diabetic macular oedema, retinal vein occlusion and wet macular degeneration. The procedure is done in a sterile setting after anaesthetic drops and takes only a few minutes, and most patients say it is far less uncomfortable than they expected. Treatment is often a series of visits, so convenience matters, and the route from Lokhandwala to our J.P. Road centre is about 10 to 15 minutes. We plan each injection after a retinal examination and scan, and explain risks and expected benefits honestly. OPD runs 5:00 to 8:30 PM, Monday to Saturday.
Divyajyoti Eye Hospital, Andheri West is roughly 10 to 15 minutes south from Lokhandwala Complex, depending on traffic.
Lokhandwala Complex lies north-west of us, and the usual approach is to come down past Swami Samarth Nagar and the Andheri Sports Complex stretch on to J.P. Road, then continue to the 7 Bungalows bus depot. By auto that is generally a 10 to 15 minute ride, longer if you set out during the Lokhandwala Market rush. Residents here mostly live in tall apartment complexes with in-house parking, so many drive down; if you do, allow a few extra minutes for street parking near Jyoti Apartment, or have someone drop you at the door. The area has a large population of young professionals, media workers and families whose parents live with them, which is why we see LASIK enquiries and cataract cases coming from the same buildings. Our 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM OPD suits both.
Jyoti Apartment, Ground Floor, Opp. 7 Bungalows Bus Depot, J.P. Road, Andheri (West), Mumbai - 400 053
OPD Mon - Sat 5 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (closed Sunday)
Anti-VEGF or steroid medicine delivered directly into the eye to treat retinal swelling, leakage and abnormal blood vessels.
Intravitreal injections may be advised for:
The decision follows a dilated retinal examination with OCT of the macula and, where needed, fluorescein angiography. An injection is usually deferred if there is an active infection of the eyelid or eye surface until that has been treated. Because treatment is a course rather than a single visit, your specialist will discuss the likely schedule with you before starting.
Anaesthetic drops are used, and many patients describe a brief sensation of pressure rather than pain. Afterwards the eye may feel gritty and look red at the injection site for a day or so, and a small floating bubble or spot may be visible for a short time as the medicine settles.
Avoid rubbing the eye, and continue any antibiotic or lubricating drops you are given. Many people return to routine activities the next day, though your doctor may advise avoiding swimming and dusty environments for a few days.
Serious complications such as infection inside the eye are uncommon, and they are the reason for the sterile technique and the follow-up visit. Contact us immediately, without waiting for your appointment, if you develop increasing pain, worsening redness, marked light sensitivity or a fall in vision in the days after an injection.
The eye is numbed with drops, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. A little irritation afterwards is common.
It depends on the condition and your response. Many patients need a series over several months, with review visits in between.
Increasing pain, worsening redness or a sudden drop in vision should be reported to the hospital straight away.
OPD runs Mon - Sat 5 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (closed Sunday). Call or WhatsApp us and our front desk will help you. Cashless mediclaim and TPA empanelment available.