Problems with iodine

[MacularAnn]

Anyone had a reaction to Iodine not sure it suited me, is there an alternative?

Will continue if it’s the best option but prefer not too, I have lots of allergies.

[Emelinep]

Yes I am allergic to iodine, had the most unbearable pain but last time clinic used chlorhexidine and no pain at all. Had to use antibiotic drops for four days. Eyes did stream more but I think this was mostly to do with being given non gel eye drops. Next session due next Monday so fingers crossed.

[MacularAnn in reply to Emelinep]

Oh poor you! It’s awful I asked the consultant not to inject until the pain subsided so he did a bit of a wash out but I could believe how much iodine he put in. I an still in pain after nearly a week, it hard to know if it’s the effect of the Iodine or the antibiotic drops.

I hope you are having more comfortable treatment.

Thanks Ann

[yotboy]

I have had more than 45 injections. If my eye is not extremely well flushed after the injection I am in trouble when the anaesthetic wears off. I have been told to remind the injectors every time that I need AN EXTREMELY GOOD FLUSH BECAUSE I REACT BADLY TO RESIDUAL IODINE. They use a full 10ml bottle of sterile flush 'in all corners'. The eye should be rolled from side to side as they flush - and tell them you don't care how much runs down your face!

I have no adverse conditions after at all PROVIDING I remind them EVERY time.

[MacularAnn in reply to yotboy]

Thank you Yotboy, so helpful and kind of you to respond.

I haven’t felt well since the injection a week ago with feeling groggy, sick and pain behind my eyes and head. So I will ask for the big flush next time .

Thanks again Ann

[Hidden]

Hi Ann, yotboy is right, it's the flushing after that's vital. Iodine is the best cleanser so stick with it if you can but they can use chlorhexidine if the xtra rinsing doesn't work for you.

You don't say exactly what reaction you had - one other cause of post inj discomfort is dry eye ( if the eye is tearing up it's dry) There are sterile soothing drops which really help. I've used hypromellose and Hylotear, both prescribed by my gp.

Good luck going forward x

[MacularAnn in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your helpful advice, it’s more feeling poorly, Sickly and pain in the eye and headaches. I do read Iodine is the best, also considering if it could be the Anitbiotic eye drops as I am quite allergic to many drugs.

I hope all is going well for you

Best wishes Ann x

[Hidden in reply to MacularAnn]

It might be more a reaction to the stress of the day ( I used to get nervy stomach the day before in anticipation) and eye pain, headache are side effects of the inj drugs I believe - Google the data sheet. The sore gritty feeling will improve with good rinsing though and the soothing drops made a huge difference to me.

Here's wishing us all a good summer x

[Salcombe]

Tell your Consultant on your next appointment. There is an alternative, although I am not sure of the name - but it has made a huge difference to me.

[MacularAnn in reply to Salcombe]

Hi Salcombe, thanks for the information, I will certainly ask so glad it made a difference to you.

Kind regards

Ann

[Su_HelplineMacular]

Hi there MacularAnn

We ran an article in last Spring's Sideview magazine on the subject of pain in the eye following injection - which of course elicited many phone calls to the helpline!

We then had three separate calls from Consultant Ophthalmologists - all of whom were concerned about the information given in that article. They each informed us that they prefer to work with people and help them over bad reactions to iodine based disinfectants, as it was the most effective solution and less likely to cause adverse reactions, and possibly more complications in the long term. We now advise people to try and stick with iodine where at all possible and to of course mention the difficulties encountered with iodine - your hospital will need to be aware of this so that they can help manage any problems effectively.

Here is a link to our factsheet:

macularsociety.org/resource...

Please feel free to call us on the helpline Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm - 0300 30 30 111

[thom3patty]

I have a definite sensitivity to iodine I know it’s important and they need to use so I ask for least amount possible and my dr ordered a heavy eye wash after injection helps somewhat the one time they forgot to do eye wash and my whole side of eye area and face swelled up bad was worse pain from injection ever

[MacularAnn in reply to thom3patty]

Thanks for your response, poor you that’s sounds awful, I read Iodine was the best to use will ask for the eye wash.

Hope all is going well for you

Kind regards

Ann

[Catseyes235]

Part of my wimpishness is to say the iodine is a problem (forms crystals if not washed out) so they are careful that I keep eyes shut while they clean round eye and clean well after injection. I then use lots . . .and lots of Hypomellose to wash out any grit and keep well lubricated. A couple of paracetamol has been most I've had.

[Catseyes235]

. .and I've found Superdrug's own 'Moisturising Drops' cheapest