? antibiotic drops

[rosyG]

I wonder if you have antibiotic drops beforeore/after intravitreal injections? Some centres seem to have them and others don't because one might lose resistance- I'd like to use them but don't want to go against current guidance??

[yotboy]

I'm treated at Moorfields. Initially I was given antibiotic drops after the injection. I was to self administer these for several days.

After a few months the drops were changed to 'Optive' and then 'Evolve' both of which are Carmellose 'soothing' general eye drops which I was told to use liberally as required.

Incidentally I was also advised to use these drops prior to an injection to lubricate the eye. Apparently it makes the job easier for the injectors - and anything that makes it better for them is way OK with me!

[rosyG in reply to yotboy]

yes I'm at Mooorfields and have the same but wonder if it's OK to use antibiotic drops before the injection? Did you used to use them before or just afterwards?

[yotboy in reply to rosyG]

I was given the drops immediately after the injection. I have no idea about the wisdom of using antibiotic drops before the jab.

[IvyRose2 in reply to yotboy]

Our Gloucester hospital used to use a combination of steroid and antibiotic for three days after. They don't use anything now and my eye is fine, actually the chloramphenicol used to irritate my eye. I have gel for dry eyes so after 24 hrs I use that. I havnt had any problems so far and that's nearly two yrs now.

[rosyG in reply to IvyRose2]

Thank you Ivy Rose- It seems the guidance has changed very helpful!

[RP1944]

Inhave had antibiotic drops prescribed to use after injections but not lately, just tablets for eye pressure which make me ill.

[rosyG in reply to RP1944]

Thank you RP

[rosyG]

Thank you for all you replies- most helpful

[Hidden]

Hi rosyg, never before, always have abx drops after inj whilst still on couch. Also get soothing drops then too.

The manufacturer guidelines and the royal college of Opthalmologists guidelines are what should be followed but last time I checked they didn't match up.

Prophylactic abx is common for many conditions and I would rather have it than risk an eye infection and associated damage. Given that we get a small amount at least a month apart I'm not worried about resistance.

[rosyG in reply to Hidden]

thank you Eyesright- I like the idea- will ask

[Hidden]

Until recently it was common to be given a small bottle of an antibiotic follwing an injection, usually chloramphenicol, but now the practice has become to apply one or two drops immediately post injection and no more.

The practice appeared to have commenced in American clinics where it was said that antibiotic drops were unnecessary because they did not penetrate the eye but there was no mention to my knowledge at the time of resistance to antibiotics.

[rosyG in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Rennatk- very helpful

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear rosyG,

When antibiotic drops are used it is generally after an injection.

Yes, hospitals are variable in terms of whether they require antibiotic drops to be used afterwards or not. Some appear to take the approach that use of the drops may introduce infection, presumably as individuals are variable in their use of drops.

The hospital will inform you if you need to use antibiotic drops afterwards or not and will supply them.

I hope that this addresses your query.

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

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[rosyG in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thank you rosalyn

[krissa2]

Where I go they swab the eye with betadine before the shot. They do rinse it out but it stings for a long time. I am uncomfortable the rest of the day but fine the next.

[rosyG]

Thank you Krissa

[JJnan]

i am given anti biotic drops to use for 3 days after injections ....

[rosyG in reply to JJnan]

thank you