Anti-VEGF Injections: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know

When your eyes start losing vision because of leaking or growing blood vessels, anti-VEGF injections, a type of treatment that blocks vascular endothelial growth factor to stop abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. Also known as VEGF inhibitors, these injections are now the standard care for leading causes of vision loss in adults. They don’t cure the problem, but they stop it from getting worse—and in many cases, they help you see better.

These injections target a protein called VEGF, which your body makes too much of when conditions like macular degeneration, a disease that damages the central part of your retina, often leading to blurred or blind spots in vision or diabetic retinopathy, eye damage from high blood sugar that causes blood vessels to leak or grow where they shouldn’t are present. By blocking VEGF, the injections reduce swelling, seal off leaky vessels, and slow down the growth of harmful new ones. It’s not surgery. It’s not lasers. It’s a quick shot in the eye, done right in the doctor’s office, usually every few weeks or months.

People who get these injections often notice improvements in sharpness and clarity within weeks. But they’re not a one-time fix. Most patients need ongoing treatment—sometimes for years—to keep vision stable. Skipping doses or delaying appointments can let the disease creep back. That’s why tracking your schedule and talking to your eye doctor about side effects matters. Common concerns like temporary discomfort, floaters, or redness are normal. Serious risks like infection or retinal detachment are rare, but you should know the warning signs: sudden pain, worsening vision, or flashes of light.

Anti-VEGF injections aren’t the only option, but they’re the most effective for many. Other treatments like steroids or laser therapy might be used alongside them, depending on your condition. What’s clear is that if you’ve been diagnosed with wet macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, or a similar condition, these injections give you real control over your vision—something that wasn’t possible just two decades ago.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve been through this treatment, comparisons of different anti-VEGF drugs, and practical tips for managing the process. Whether you’re just starting out or have been getting injections for years, there’s something here that can help you feel more confident and in charge of your eye health.