Steroid implants in the eye..

[sprinter2395]

Been having Lucentis injections for a retinal occlusion ,,no problem,, then this was changed to a course steroid injections ,had implants injected in to the eye ,different procedure larger needle,but if done by a well experienced doctor ,its usually fine.

Had three of these injections into my right eye ,my sight in that eye was 75% with distortion looking at the horizon or a straight line ,,bulge in the midle type thing.

My good eye compensated for the bad eye and in general I could live with the slight loss of focus ,and drive perfectly safely ,the affects from having these injections would be floater and fogging ,this wore off usually over night.

This last steroid injection has caused not just floaters but a veil across the eye totally obscuring vision in that eye ,and has not gone away , so much so Im reluctant to drive ,I can actually see the implant in my diminished field of vision,plus blood type floaters .

Been back to A&E Eye Hospital seen various clinicians ,who've told me Ive now got a steroid induced cataract ,and will need an opperation within three to four months.

Im due to see the consultant in a months time ,so whats after that, I have no idea ..

[Hidden]

It is normal for Ozurdex to cause cataract. The doc ought to have warned about this. The other potential is glaucoma, at one time this was thought to be an inevitable result of the implants but a recent study suggests the risk is less, between 0 and 30%. Usually, glaucoma is treatable with drops.

[Hidden]

Hi sprinter, I'm on my second ozurdex implant after 23 inj Lucentis and eyelea. Rennatk is right, cataract is a well known side effect of the implant and it should have been listed on the consent form and explained to you. You have a legitimate complaint if it wasn't.

From research I've found predictions of 100% ( ie everyone with implant gets cataract) and all points lower. I decided to go ahead as cataract is easily treated whereas inj were not working for me. Mind you, I hope I don't get one and I'm very sorry for you. Best wishes for the op.

I always see the implant for a couple of weeks and had floaters for years.

I do have raised IOP ( with inj but worse with implant) but it's well controlled now with Timolol drops.

You can drive legally with only one eye if that one's vision meets the standard - ask your clinic if yours does then you'll know if you're ok to drive without invalidating your insurance ( whether you want to is different of course but at least you'll know).

I hope you feel able to post again with an update of how things go.

Best wishes going forward.

[sprinter2395 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply and advice , my worry now is what’s next as a treatment , I’m assuming they won’t give me anymore steroid inplants once I’ve had the cataract operation,for the retinal occlusion ,my original condition..

[Hidden in reply to sprinter2395]

Oh, I hadn't thought a cataract op would stop us having more implants. I will ask my consultant when I see him Feb 28 th.

[rosyG]

Sorry to hear this- the other posters have explained everything- just wanted to say I hope it all is sorted out soon for you

[sprinter2395 in reply to rosyG]

After two visits to A&E ,I contacted the consultant and went back to see him yesterday,the preasure in my eye was so great a canular was attached to my arm and drugs administered through it.

Got three different kinds of drops to take seven drops a day in the one eye plus four tablets to take,there’s know improvement in my site ,but at least my eye doesn’t feel it’s going to explode any more.

I still have floaters and veiled Vision and the steroid implant is still in my impaired vision ,not a happy bunny ...

[Macular_1]

Hi Sprinter2395,

So sorry to learn about your cataract forming after your steroid treatment.

The other posters have given some good advice. If you would like the Macular Society's factsheet about retinal vein occlusion, either email your request to [e-mail] or call our helpline, 0300 30 30 1211 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).

Best wishes

Macular Society