Eylea Side Effects – What to Expect and How to Manage Them

Last Updated On: February 12, 2025

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major concern in prescription medications, contributing to 10-20% of hospitalizations, with severe cases making up a significant portion. More than 1.5 million older adults in the United States visit emergency departments annually due to ADRs, highlighting the need for awareness and monitoring.

Eylea, an anti-VEGF injection widely used for retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), is known for its effectiveness but, like any medication, carries potential side effects. While most are mild, some patients may experience more serious complications. Understanding these risks helps ensure safe and effective treatment.

In this article, we will explore the possible side effects of Eylea, from common reactions to rare complications, along with strategies for managing them effectively.

Key Takeaways 

• Most patients experience mild and temporary side effects after the injection, including eye discomfort, redness, blurred vision, watery eyes, and floaters. These generally resolve within hours to days.
• Strategies for managing mild side effects include avoiding eye rubbing, using artificial tears, wearing sunglasses, resting the eyes, and following doctor-administered post-injection instructions.
• Rare but severe complications can occur, such as intraocular inflammation, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, increased intraocular pressure, and severe vision loss, which require immediate medical attention.
• Understanding post-injection care and monitoring for unusual symptoms is crucial for preventing complications. Follow-up visits are essential for tracking recovery and addressing any concerns.

About: ​​Med Supply Solutions has been operating since 2016 and is known as one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. Contact our sales department for more information about buying Eylea online. 

Common Side Effects

Most patients tolerate Eylea well, but some may experience mild, temporary side effects after injection. These typically resolve within a few hours to days. Common reactions include:

• Eye Discomfort or Irritation: A mild, gritty sensation.
• Redness: Temporary injection-site redness due to minor bleeding or irritation.
• Blurred Vision: A short-lived effect as the eye adjusts.
• Watery Eyes: Increased tear production in response to the injection.
• Floaters: Specks or shadows in vision that usually fade within days.

How to Manage Mild Reactions

These mild side effects are common and usually resolve on their own. However, taking a few precautions can help ease discomfort and promote faster recovery:

• Avoid rubbing or pressing on the treated eye.
• Use artificial tears to relieve irritation or dryness.
• Wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity.
• Rest your eyes and avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.
• Follow your doctor’s post-injection instructions carefully.

If symptoms persist or worsen beyond a few days, contact your ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

Serious Side Effects

Although rare, some patients may experience severe complications that require immediate medical attention. Early recognition of these signs is crucial in preventing long-term damage.

• Intraocular Inflammation: Swelling or irritation inside the eye, leading to severe pain, redness, and vision changes.
• Retinal Detachment: A medical emergency where the retina pulls away from its normal position, causing sudden vision loss.
• Endophthalmitis (Infection): A serious eye infection characterized by severe pain, pus discharge, and vision deterioration.
• Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP): A temporary rise in eye pressure that, if persistent, may increase the risk of glaucoma.
• Severe Vision Loss: In extremely rare cases, complications can result in irreversible damage.

If any of these symptoms occur, patients should seek urgent medical care to prevent further complications.

Patient Education and Safety

Proper patient education is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring a smooth recovery after an Eylea injection. Following post-injection care guidelines can help prevent complications and support healing. Patients should do the following:

• Avoid touching or rubbing the treated eye
• Refrain from swimming or wearing contact lenses for a few days
• Monitor for any unusual symptoms
• Attended follow-up visits to allow healthcare providers to track progress and address concerns promptly.

Early detection of complications is key to preventing serious issues. Patients should watch for vision changes, increased pain, or any unusual eye symptoms and report them immediately. Additionally, consulting a doctor about medication interactions can further enhance treatment safety. Staying informed about Eylea FDA approval and its safety guidelines ensures patients receive the most effective and up-to-date care.

Conclusion

Eylea is a highly effective treatment for retinal diseases but has potential side effects. While mild reactions like redness and temporary vision disturbances are common, serious complications like inflammation, retinal detachment, or infection require immediate attention. By following post-injection care guidelines and maintaining regular check-ups, patients can maximize the benefits of Eylea while minimizing risks. Always consult your ophthalmologist if you experience any concerning symptoms.

FAQs

1. How long do Eylea side effects last?

Most mild side effects, such as redness or irritation, resolve within a few hours to a few days. Depending on their severity, more serious complications require medical evaluation and may take longer to recover from.

2. Can Eylea cause permanent vision loss?

Severe complications, such as retinal detachment or infection, are rare, but if left untreated, they can lead to permanent vision loss. Regular monitoring and immediate medical attention can help prevent such outcomes.

3. How can I reduce discomfort after an Eylea injection?

Mild discomfort can be alleviated by using artificial tears, avoiding eye rubbing, and resting the eyes. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drops if the pain persists.

References

Marsh DES. Adverse drug reactions. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Published January 10, 2025. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/clinical-pharmacology/adverse-drug-reactions/adverse-drug-reactions

FastStats: Medication safety data. Medication Safety Program. Published April 17, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/medication-safety/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Elflein J. Vision problems in the U.S.. Statista. Published December 18, 2023. https://www.statista.com/topics/3494/vision-problems-in-the-us/