Eye injections are a common medical procedure for various eye conditions. While generally safe and recovery often uncomplicated, understanding activity restrictions after the procedure is important. Adhering to post-injection care guidelines helps ensure a successful outcome and supports the eye’s healing process.
Why Post-Injection Care Matters
After an eye injection, the eye requires time to heal and for the administered medication to effectively settle. Certain physical activities can increase intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the fluid pressure inside the eye. A temporary rise in IOP commonly occurs immediately after an injection, though it typically returns to normal within minutes. Activities that cause this pressure to spike could potentially affect the injection site, influence how the medication distributes, or elevate the risk of complications.
Elevated intraocular pressure can pose risks, including potential damage to delicate eye structures or interference with the healing of the small entry point created during the injection. There is also a small, but present, risk of complications such as bleeding or infection if proper care is not observed. Allowing the eye adequate rest and avoiding certain motions helps minimize these risks, contributing to a smoother recovery and the optimal effectiveness of the treatment.
Recommended Exercise Guidelines
Light, non-strenuous activities are generally considered safe. Walking, for instance, is typically acceptable as long as it does not involve vigorous effort. This type of gentle movement helps maintain overall well-being without placing undue stress on the eye.
Conversely, several exercises should be avoided to protect the healing eye. Heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and movements involving bending the head below the waist can increase intraocular pressure. This includes yoga poses, abdominal crunches, or picking up heavy objects, as these create jarring movements or significant pressure changes. Activities involving bouncing or rapid head movements should also be approached with caution.
Water-related activities, such as swimming, are generally restricted after an eye injection due to infection risk. Water, especially from pools, lakes, or tap, can introduce bacteria to the injection site before it fully seals. Most eye care professionals recommend avoiding swimming for at least 2 days and often up to 2 weeks. Contact sports also pose a significant risk of direct eye trauma and should be avoided for several weeks.
The specific duration of these restrictions can vary based on the individual patient, the type of injection received (such as anti-VEGF or steroid), and the underlying eye condition being treated. Eye care professionals provide personalized instructions tailored to each patient’s situation. Adhering to these recommendations is important for healing and treatment outcome.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild discomfort, blurry vision, or minor redness are common after an eye injection, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. A sudden, significant decrease in vision or complete vision loss requires urgent evaluation. Similarly, severe or constant eye pain, especially if worsening, should prompt immediate contact with your ophthalmologist.
Additional warning signs include persistent or increasing eye redness, unusual discharge or pus, and heightened light sensitivity. New, severe floaters or flashes of light can also signal a complication. A “curtain” or “veil” obscuring part of your vision also requires urgent medical assessment. These symptoms are distinct from normal post-injection sensations and should not be ignored, as they can indicate infection, retinal detachment, or other serious issues.
Gradual Return to Activity
The timeline for resuming normal physical activities after an eye injection varies for each individual. Most patients can gradually reintroduce more strenuous exercises after a few days to a week, with their eye care professional’s approval. It is important to adopt a phased approach, slowly increasing activity levels and carefully monitoring the eye for any adverse symptoms.
Listening to your body is important during this recovery phase. If any activity causes discomfort, increased pain, or visual changes, stop immediately. A follow-up appointment with the ophthalmologist is typically scheduled to assess healing and confirm when it is safe to return to all pre-injection activities. This professional clearance helps ensure the eye has adequately recovered before fully resuming exercise routines.