Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is a medicine injected directly into the eye by a retina specialist to treat certain serious eye conditions like lymphoma or to prevent scarring.
| Drug class | Antimetabolite (Intravitreal) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 400 mcg/0.1 mL |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is used for
Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is a powerful medicine used to treat specific, serious eye conditions that affect the retina and vitreous (the jelly-like substance filling the eye). Your retina specialist at Pristine Eye Hospitals may recommend this treatment for:
- Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: This is a rare type of cancer that affects the eye, specifically the retina and the vitreous. Methotrexate helps to target and treat these cancerous cells within the eye.
- PVR prophylaxis (Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy prophylaxis): PVR is a serious complication that can occur after certain eye surgeries or injuries, leading to the formation of scar tissue inside the eye. This scarring can cause the retina to detach, leading to severe vision loss. Methotrexate is used as a preventative measure (prophylaxis) to limit or prevent the formation of this scar tissue, thereby reducing the risk of retinal detachment.
Your doctor will explain in detail why this particular treatment is being recommended for your specific eye condition.
How it works
Methotrexate (Intravitreal) works as an ‘antimetabolite’. When injected directly into your eye, it interferes with the growth and multiplication of certain cells. In the case of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma, it targets and helps to destroy the cancerous cells within the eye. For PVR prophylaxis, it helps to limit the activity of cells that cause scarring, thereby preventing or reducing the formation of scar tissue that can lead to retinal detachment.
By delivering the medicine directly into the eye, it can act precisely where it is needed, helping to treat the condition effectively.
How it’s used
Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is given as an injection directly into your eye by a highly trained retina specialist at Pristine Eye Hospitals. This is a hospital-based procedure and is not something you would administer yourself.
The dosing schedule for Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is carefully determined by your retina specialist based on your specific condition and how you respond to treatment. It typically involves an ‘induction’ phase, where injections might be given more frequently initially, followed by a ‘tapering’ phase, where the frequency of injections gradually reduces over time. Your doctor will create a personalised treatment plan for you and will explain the schedule of your injections.
Before the injection, your eye will be numbed with anaesthetic eye drops to ensure you are comfortable. The specialist will then carefully administer the medicine into the vitreous of your eye. You may feel some pressure, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. After the injection, your doctor or nurse will provide specific instructions for your care, including any necessary follow-up appointments.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands in India
Hospital-prepared or not marketed as a retail brand in India.
Please note
Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis).
Precautions & side effects
As with any medical procedure, especially one involving an injection into the eye, there are important precautions and potential side effects to be aware of. Your retina specialist at Pristine Eye Hospitals will discuss these with you in detail.
- Specialist Use: Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is a powerful medicine and must only be administered by a qualified retina specialist in a hospital setting. It is not available for general retail purchase or self-administration.
- Route-Specific Entry: This medicine is specifically formulated and intended for injection directly into the eye (intravitreal route). It must not be used by any other route.
- Corneal Toxicity: In some cases, there is a possibility of corneal toxicity, which means the clear front part of your eye (cornea) could be affected. Your doctor will monitor you closely for any signs of this.
- High Warning Level: This medicine carries a high warning level due to its nature and the method of administration.
- Serious Infection Risk (Endophthalmitis): This is a critical warning. After any intravitreal injection, there is a small but serious risk of developing an infection inside the eye, called endophthalmitis.
Seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop any of the following symptoms after your injection:
- Increasing pain in the eye
- Increasing redness of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- A noticeable drop or change in your vision
These symptoms can be signs of a serious infection and require urgent medical attention to prevent severe vision loss. Please contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or go to the nearest emergency department without delay if you experience any of these.
Always follow all instructions given by your retina specialist and the hospital staff regarding post-injection care and follow-up appointments.
Understanding Your Eye Condition
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we believe that understanding your eye condition is the first step towards effective treatment. Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is used for serious conditions affecting the back of your eye, specifically the retina and the vitreous. The retina is a light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye that converts light into electrical signals, which are then sent to your brain, allowing you to see. The vitreous is the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina, helping to maintain the eye’s shape.
Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the eye, affecting these vital structures. It can cause symptoms like blurry vision, floaters, or reduced vision. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment, such as with Methotrexate, are crucial for managing this condition.
Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a complication that can occur after certain eye surgeries (like retinal detachment repair) or injuries. It involves the growth of abnormal scar tissue inside the eye. This scar tissue can pull on the retina, causing it to detach, which can lead to severe and permanent vision loss if not prevented or treated. Methotrexate is used as a preventative measure (prophylaxis) to limit this scarring process.
Your retina specialist will have thoroughly evaluated your condition and determined that Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is the most appropriate treatment for you. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about your diagnosis and treatment plan.
General Eye Care and Hygiene After an Eye Procedure
After receiving an intravitreal injection, maintaining good eye hygiene is essential to prevent complications, especially infection. While Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is administered in a sterile hospital environment, your actions at home play a vital role in your recovery.
- Do Not Rub Your Eye: Avoid rubbing or touching your treated eye, especially in the first few days after the injection. This can introduce germs and irritate the eye.
- Keep Your Eye Clean: If your doctor advises, you may gently clean around your eye with a clean, damp cloth. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face or eye area.
- Avoid Contamination: Try to avoid activities that might introduce dirt or water into your eye, such as swimming, using hot tubs, or gardening, for at least a week or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow Medication Instructions: If your doctor prescribes any additional eye drops (e.g., antibiotic drops) to use at home, ensure you follow the instructions precisely. Wash your hands before and after applying eye drops. Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, drop the medicine into this pocket, and then gently close your eye for a minute or two. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface.
- Protect Your Eye: Your doctor might recommend wearing a protective shield or sunglasses for a short period after the injection. Follow this advice to protect your eye from dust, glare, and accidental bumps.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
While intravitreal injections are generally safe, it is crucial to be aware of potential complications and know when to seek urgent medical attention. The most serious complication, though rare, is an infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis).
You must contact Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms after your Methotrexate (Intravitreal) injection:
- Increasing eye pain: Any new or worsening pain in the treated eye.
- Increasing eye redness: Significant or spreading redness of the white part of your eye.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia): If light becomes unusually bothersome or painful.
- Drop in vision: Any sudden or noticeable decrease in your vision, or if your vision becomes blurry or cloudy.
These symptoms can be signs of a serious infection or other complications that require prompt evaluation and treatment to protect your vision. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment; act immediately. Your health and vision are our top priority at Pristine Eye Hospitals.
Frequently asked questions
What is Methotrexate (Intravitreal) used for?
Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is used to treat serious eye conditions such as primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (a type of eye cancer) and to prevent scarring (PVR prophylaxis) that can lead to retinal detachment after certain eye procedures or injuries.
How does Methotrexate (Intravitreal) work?
Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is an antimetabolite. When injected into the eye, it works by interfering with the growth of certain cells. For lymphoma, it targets cancerous cells, and for PVR prophylaxis, it helps to limit the formation of scar tissue inside the eye.
What brands of Methotrexate (Intravitreal) are available in India?
Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is typically prepared by the hospital pharmacy for direct use and is not available under specific retail brand names in India.
How is Methotrexate (Intravitreal) administered?
Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is given as an injection directly into the eye by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. The dosing schedule involves an initial frequent phase (induction) followed by a gradual reduction in frequency (tapering), as determined by your doctor.
Do I need a prescription for Methotrexate (Intravitreal)?
Yes, Methotrexate (Intravitreal) is a prescription-only medicine and is used exclusively in a hospital setting by retina specialists. It is not available for purchase at retail pharmacies.
What are the key precautions for Methotrexate (Intravitreal)?
Key precautions include that it must only be administered by a retina specialist, it is for injection into the eye only, and there is a possibility of corneal toxicity. Most importantly, after the injection, seek immediate medical help if you experience increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision, as these can be signs of a serious eye infection.
References
- Intraocular Methotrexate for the Treatment and Prevention of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: A Review – PMC
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.