An intravitreal injection delivers medication directly into the eye to treat conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Post-procedure care, particularly concerning water exposure and hygiene, is a primary concern for preventing complications. This guidance offers general information, but it is not a substitute for the specific instructions given by a treating ophthalmologist.
Immediate Post-Injection Showering Guidelines
Patients can generally take a shower immediately after receiving an eye injection, though the method requires specific care to protect the treated eye. The primary rule for the first 24 to 48 hours is to strictly avoid getting any tap water, soap, or shampoo directly into the injected eye. Simply tilting the head back while washing hair, much like in a salon, is a practical technique to keep the stream of water away from the face.
When washing the face, a clean washcloth should be used, carefully wiping around the eye area instead of splashing water onto it. While a body shower is permissible, directed water streams, such as looking directly into the shower spray, should be avoided on the day of the procedure.
Why Water Exposure Poses a Risk
The need to avoid water exposure stems from the risk of introducing bacteria, which can lead to a serious infection called endophthalmitis. The injection creates a tiny, temporary opening in the eye’s surface, or sclera, which requires time to seal completely. This minute site represents a breach in the eye’s natural protective barrier.
Tap water contains microorganisms that are typically harmless to intact eyes, but they become a source of potential infection when the eye’s surface is compromised. The risk of infection, while rare (estimated at about one in 5,000 cases), is a severe, vision-threatening complication. Precautions against water contamination are necessary during the initial healing period.
Related Activities and Restrictions
Beyond showering, several other activities are restricted following an eye injection. Avoidance of swimming is universally recommended for a defined period, typically ranging from two days up to a full week, due to the presence of chlorine or bacteria in water sources. Contact lenses and eye makeup should not be worn for one to two days after the procedure, as applying or removing them can introduce bacteria or cause irritation.
Patients should refrain from rubbing or touching the injected eye, as this can cause a scratch on the surface or introduce contaminants. Heavy lifting, bending, or any activity that involves straining should be avoided, often for a week. These actions can temporarily increase the intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye.
Timeline for Full Recovery and Normal Activity
Minor side effects, such as a gritty sensation, mild discomfort, redness, or a small blood spot on the white of the eye, are commonly experienced after the injection. These symptoms are temporary, with most patients reporting that their eye feels significantly better by the morning after the procedure. Irritation and scratchy feelings should resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
The timeline for returning to all normal activities, including swimming and strenuous exercise, usually falls between three and seven days, depending on the physician’s instructions. Patients can typically resume simple daily activities, such as reading, watching television, and light walking, immediately following the injection. Attending the follow-up appointment is important to ensure proper healing, and any sudden worsening of vision, increasing pain, or severe redness should prompt an immediate call to the ophthalmologist.