Eylea (aflibercept) has changed the way we treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and other serious retinal diseases. In large clinical trials (VIEW 1 and VIEW 2), 95% of patients maintained their vision after receiving Eylea injections every eight weeks, proving it to be just as effective as monthly ranibizumab, with fewer clinic visits.
But while Eylea’s success is clear, it’s important to remember that all medications come with potential side effects, particularly those delivered by intravitreal injection. Because Eylea is injected directly into the eye, there are specific ocular risks to watch for, such as elevated eye pressure, intraocular bleeding, and in rare cases, serious systemic complications like blood clots.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the full list of Eylea side effects—from the most common to the rarest.
Key Takeaways
- Eylea (aflibercept) is a widely used intravitreal injection for treating wet AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema, offering strong clinical benefits when administered correctly.
- Common side effects include conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, and temporary blurred vision, which are usually mild and resolve without treatment.
- Serious but rare complications can include elevated intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, and systemic thromboembolic events. These require immediate medical attention.
- Individual risk factors such as ocular history, systemic conditions, and cardiovascular health should be carefully evaluated before each injection.
- Effective management involves thorough patient education, routine monitoring, and timely follow-up to detect and address any adverse events early.
- Close collaboration between patients and an Eylea doctor or healthcare providers helps ensure that Eylea treatment is both safe and effective, supporting long-term visual outcomes.
About: Medica Depot is your trusted all-in-one supplier, offering a range of high-quality medical injectables and supplies. If you’re looking to buy Eylea, contact Medica Depot’s sales representatives and they will guide you on how to do so. Whether for health professionals, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, licensed estheticians, or other specialists, we can offer genuine, brand-name products you may need. With Medica Depot, we prioritize serving you better to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Common Ocular Side Effects of Eylea Injection
Eylea (aflibercept) has transformed care for patients at risk of blindness from conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema. While the therapy is highly effective, it is essential for patients to understand the expected Eylea side effects following treatment.
Although the Eylea success rate for maintaining visual acuity in wet AMD is well-established, patients may still experience mild, temporary side effects at the injection site. These are considered common reactions and are generally manageable.
According to product label and clinical experience, the most frequently reported side effects after an Eylea injection include:
- Conjunctival Hemorrhage: Mild surface bleeding that causes redness in the white part of the eye
- Eye Pain: Often described as a dull ache after the injection
- Blurred Vision: Temporary and typically resolves within hours to days
These effects are generally mild and reflect the normal response to an intravitreal procedure. Still, patients should report any symptoms that persist or worsen, as this could indicate complications affecting eye health.
Tips for Managing Common Eylea’s Side Effects
Most mild symptoms can be relieved with simple home measures. An eye doctor may recommend the following steps to improve comfort after an Eylea treatment:
- Apply a cold compress for the first 24 to 48 hours to ease swelling or discomfort
- Use over-the-counter pain relief (such as paracetamol) if necessary
- Avoid rubbing or touching the eye, especially within the first 24 hours
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and response
These measures help protect eye health and reduce discomfort while the eye recovers from the injection.
Serious Adverse Events: Retinal and Systemic Complications
While uncommon, some patients may experience more serious complications related to either the injection procedure or Eylea itself, which can even lead to blindness if left untreated. These are rare, but both providers and patients must recognize the signs early to protect long-term vision.
Ocular Complications: Side Effects Explained
- Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP): This can occur shortly after injection but usually resolves within 48 hours. Monitoring IOP during visits is important, especially for patients with glaucoma or other conditions associated with increased eye pressure.
- Vitreous Floaters or Posterior Vitreous Detachment: These may feel like cobwebs or dark spots in the visual field.
- Cataract Formation: While not directly caused by aflibercept, repeated Eylea injection over time may increase the likelihood of cataract progression.
Retinal Risks: Eye Pain, Blurry Vision, Etc.
- Endophthalmitis: A rare but severe infection with warning signs including worsening eye pain, persistent redness, and sudden blurry vision.
- Retinal Detachment: May present as flashes of light, floaters, or a dark curtain effect.
- Traumatic Cataract: Can result from the Eylea injection needle, particularly if the technique or anatomy presents challenges.
Systemic Effects
Though rare, systemic thromboembolic events such as stroke or heart attack have been reported. These are believed to be related to VEGF inhibition in the bloodstream, though the risk remains low in Eylea treatment.
Patients should be thoroughly screened for underlying cardiovascular conditions before Eylea treatment.
Risk Factors That May Influence Eylea Side Effects
Not all patients face the same risk of Eylea’s side effects. Factors such as individual eye health and history, systemic conditions, and injection technique can all influence how the body responds to treatment.
Ocular Risk Factors
- History of glaucoma or increased eye pressure
- Pseudophakia (presence of an intraocular lens)
- History of intraocular inflammation (uveitis)
- Prior vitrectomy surgery, which alters the internal structure of the eye
Systemic Risk Factors
- Previous stroke or heart attack
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Diabetes-related vascular complications
- High cholesterol or lipid disorders
To reduce risks, every eye doctor should perform a thorough evaluation before beginning Eylea treatment and perform the following during the Eylea injection process:
- Conduct a thorough pre-treatment assessment
- Maintain sterile technique during every injection
- Stick to recommended dosing intervals
- Create individualized care plans for each patient
Managing Eylea-Related Adverse Events in Clinical Practice
Proper management of Eylea’s side effects doesn’t just protect vision—it builds trust. A structured plan for monitoring and responding to complications ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care.
- Vigilant Post-Injection Surveillance and Early Action: Encourage patients to report eye pain, blurry vision, floaters, flashes, or sudden vision loss immediately. Furthermore, providers should measure best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular eye pressure within 60 minutes of Eylea injection and at each follow-up visit.
- Addressing Adverse Events: Practitioners should review and update each patient’s medical and health history to ensure a smooth and safe procedure. Educate patients on recognizing and reporting symptoms for prompt action and medical attention.
- Patient Engagement and Documentation: Urge patients to adhere to the scheduled visits and emergency contact pathways to ensure prompt complication management of Eylea treatment. Meanwhile, an Eylea doctor or medical provider must document all adverse events, treatments, progress, and counseling for each individual.
By staying vigilant and proactive, providers can minimize complications, protect against blindness, and maintain long-term eye health in patients receiving Eylea treatment.
Conclusion
Eylea injection has become a trusted treatment for retinal conditions such as wet AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema, with a strong record of preserving vision. But like all medications, it comes with potential side effects. These range from mild, self-limiting reactions to rare but serious complications affecting the eye and body.
By understanding the risks, maintaining open communication, and following a careful Eylea treatment plan, patients and practitioners can work together to ensure the safest possible experience. With the right approach, Eylea’s benefits can be maximized, helping more people maintain their vision and quality of life.
FAQs
1. What are the common side effects of Eylea?
Common side effects of Eylea treatment include conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, and temporary blurry vision. These effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a short time.
2. How does Eylea injection affect eye pressure?
After an Eylea injection, some patients may experience increased eye pressure. This condition typically resolves within 48 hours. It’s important for patients, especially those with glaucoma, to monitor their eye pressure closely.
3. What should patients do if they experience side effects after Eylea treatment?
If patients experience side effects like prolonged blurry vision or significant eye pain after Eylea treatment, they should contact their eye doctor. It’s vital to report any symptoms that persist or worsen to ensure proper care and monitoring.
References
Bayer Ophthalmology. EYLEA® 2mg in nAMD. Bayer.com. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://ophthalmology.bayer.com/eylea-2mg/indications/namd
Bayer AG. ANNEX I SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS. Bayer AG. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://prodcmw5y9bn.nxg.acsf.baywsf.com/sites/g/files/rptbxg441/files/2024-05/eylea-epar-product-information_en.pdf
