I am new here and am just wondering what I am in for.

[bobpp]

Had a letter and info from my hospital informing me that I have a "type" of wet macula degeneration and that I would have 3 injections over three months with eyela. Will the injections continue?

[Hidden]

Hi bobpp, you will get what's called a "loading dose" of 3 inj usually over 3 months or thereabouts. They will check and if eye has stabilised then just monitor you. If eye still actively wet then Inj continue . You might get another set of 3 booked or just 1 , both with reviews and so on. If inj continue they will try to extend period between them (minimum time is 1 month).

There are a lot of macular conditions which the inj often work very well for, either in stabilising quickly or as continuing treatment. Many people on here will have wetmd and can share with you their experiences.

The Macular Society have lots of info and support on their website, email & helpline plus buddies who understand what you are going through.

This is a great forum and we all support each other. Best of luck to you going forward.

[Ayayay80]

Hello bobpp

Welcome to the club, or should I say "commiseration!!

It is hard to say whether you shall need more than the first 3 injections, which are called the loading dose. These are usually given at 4 weeks intervals. It all depends on how severe the bleeding or leakage is at the present and also on how well your eye responds to the treatment. We are all different and each eye responds differently. If you are lucky your wet AMD may dry up after the first 3 injections, but as far as I know that rarely happens so soon. I had 5 inj., number 4 and 5 at 8 weeks intervals. Then had a 5 months break from them. Unfortunately the leakage came back as it tends to do in most cases. I am now having them at 6 weeks intervals. Number 8 is due this Monday. How often and at what intervals you have them depends on how your consultant deems it necessary.

Read as much as you can about the condition so you can better evaluate what is going on. But please, do not get all het up about it. The thought of it all is usually worse than the actual event. And if it saves your eyesight, it is worth it. My vision has only marginally deteriorated; for that I am grateful.

Best wishes.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear bobpp,

I am sorry to read of your recent diagnosis.

Firstly, the Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines for the treatment of wet AMD state that from initial identification to treatment should be no more than 2 weeks. I am copying links to our booklets on AMD, Treatments and our Essential guide to wet AMD:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

An initial loading dose of 3 injections is given, once a month for 3 months, then the eye is reviewed. If further Eylea injections are needed, then after this, these are generally 8 weeks apart for the first year.

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, due to the abnormal blood vessels being successfully suppressed, then 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.

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 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]

HI bobtop/

I agree with all that's been said- my frond had three injections 2 years ago and has just completed another 3- so a long gap in between.

Just to say, the actual injection, while leaving you a little sore because of the iodine used, doesn't hurt as much as a flu injection so don't get too stressed beforehand.

[bobpp]

Many thanks to all for the responses and the links to the three pdf docs. I found them very informative and have reduced my anxiety to a great extent. As ayayay80 mentions, we are all different and respond in various degrees to the treatment. I really hope for a positive response after completion of the "loading" dose. The consultant has caught it early which could benefit the outcome.

Regards to all