Should there be an eye test before each injection?

[Ayayay80]

I am due for my second eylea injection on Thursday. Should there be some sort of eye test before the injection is given? I have noticed that my VA went from 20/63 to 20/80 after the first injection, but has now come back to about 20/70, so in fact, it is still slightly worse than pre-injection.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Ayayay80,

The function of the injections for wet AMD is to suppress the abnormal blood vessels, stabilise the eye, maintain vision and prevent further damage. Therefore, if the eye becomes stable for a period of time, there will be no function for the injections. However, it is possible that the wet AMD may become active again, in which case further injections would be needed.

Usually, an initial loading dose of 3 injections is given, once a month for 3 months, then the eye is reviewed. If further injections are required, then how far apart these are administered is then determined by whether you are receiving Lucentis, Eylea or Avastin injections:

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macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Although the injections are aimed towards maintaining as improving vision, sometimes individuals report a slight improvement within the first 2-3 injections.

It may be worth ringing your ophthalmologist's secretary and addressing your questions to them.

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments. Please ring us if you would like to benefit from this, or join via the following link:

macularsociety.org/6months

I hope that this addresses your query.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Macular Society if we can be of any further help. Our helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards,

[kalahuchi]

In one eye I have wet AMD and in the other myopic CNV/wet AMD (they can't seem to make their minds up and seem to think it is a combination of the two, plus a bit of genetics thrown in for good measure).

In one eye I have single injections, followed by an eye test a fortnight after.

The other eye is having a series of 3 injections spaced one month apart, with a clinic follow up and eye test only after the third injection. My second injection is tomorrow and I can't say I'm looking forward to it much.

I've never had an eye test before an injection though. I hope all goes well for us both x

[Ayayay80 in reply to kalahuchi]

Hello kalahuchi

Thanks for that. It answers my question. I suppose it is up to us to get in touch with the clinic if we have any concerns. But as it stands, I guess I will be fine, that is, till Thursday morning. I hope the injection is not going to be as painful this time. I will ask for more aenestetc drops.

So sorry for you that both of your eyes need treatment. It must take up much of your time to sort yourself out afterwards. I think I am heading that way too with my other eye, although at the moment it is still dry AMD. My many walks in beautiful countryside, while I still can, helps me put things into perspective. I believe you are a walker too?

I am sending you my best wishes for tomorrow and thereafter.

[kalahuchi in reply to Ayayay80]

Thanks Ayayay,

Yes, I am a very keen walker but have had to dig out my winter woolies over the last few days. A bit of fresh air and exercise really does help to calm the nerves and I shall be back to my usual routine tomorrow I hope.

I've just come back from my latest injection and it was the best one yet. The doctor was like lightning and I had barely sat on the couch when it was all over. I never felt a thing this time so that was wonderful, although I am getting pretty sore now the anaesthetic is wearing off, but I don't mind that. Last time I mentioned that I was a little concerned that I might feel something so one of the doctors wrote anaesthetic prn which I understand to mean "as required". It really helps me to have confidence so it may be worth your while asking for an extra drop.

It is getting like a social club now at the hospital and a lovely gentleman sat and talked to me like an old friend today. My next appointment is in December so I think I shall take mince pies and wear a hat trimmed tinsel.

I hope you have a good experience on Thursday and i'll be thinking of you. x

[Ayayay80 in reply to kalahuchi]

So glad for your good injection experience. I'll go for mine on Thursday with the hope it will be better for me too.

Happy walking wherever it is you walk. I led a group last Sunday and it rained for a couple of hours, but the rest of the day was fine, though cold.

[Hidden]

I have monthly injections at Liverpool. Prior to each one I have a sight test, pressure check, colour photograph and an OCT. Often, I have a slit lamp inspection too but the photos and OCT make that almost superfluous.

[Ayayay80 in reply to Hidden]

Wow, Rennatk, no checks and tests were done prior to my second injection, nor have I heard of anyone else having that done. Maybe your particular condition warrants such procedures? It would be interesting to know whether it is just that different clinics are more efficient than others.

[Hidden in reply to Ayayay80]

My condition is somewhat different, I was treated for a choroidal melanoma, eye cancer, in 2006, the radiation caused systoid macular oedema to combat which I have had both Avastin or Lucentis shots over the years. The scans etc are to check how effective the shots have been in reducing the swelling. Wet AMD patients attend the same Unit but I am not sure if they receive scans etc. I always assumed that they did. At my next visit I must ask.

I attend St Paul's Eye Research Clinic at the Royal Liverpool. They are meticulous and regarded as Being in the top 4 World wide. I am v fortunate to live within easy access. But often I sit and talk with patients from across the world who trek there.