I just had my 2nd (monthly)shot for wet AMD, I'm still feeling the shock from learning I could loose my sight. Wondering if anyone has actually seen improvement with continued shots? Or is just maintaining current levels of 'blurriness' the best I can hope for?
Thanks in advance for any comments.
Hi there
It all depends on the severity of your present eye condition. If there is going to be an improvement in your eyesight it usually happens after the second injection. After that, I found that there was no further improvement but kept more or less the same despite further injections. Any damage done before treatment started will likely to be permanent. So all that can be done now is to stabilise the condition so that there is no risk of further scarring or other damage. Be prepared for further injections until the day a cure is offered, which seems to be on the cards. How often you need them depends on how your eye/s responds to treatment.
Having said that, it is not as bad as it sounds. I know it is a shock when you are told you may lose your eyesight, but most people keep reasonable vision for many, many years. So try not to worry too much - it never helps. Take every day as it comes and enjoy the good things in your life.
Ayayay has said it right.
Sending you a hug, diagnosis is always a shock x Sight problems are known to be akin to bereavement emotionally so be kind to yourself.
Try to focus on the positives, don't let the worry of an unknown tomorrow spoil the joy of today.
Wishing you the very best going forward.
Dear ayayay, eyesright and Rosalyn,
Thanks for your kind responses(and hug!). I did not intend to sound negative, I am truly thankful there is SOMETHING that can be done to slow the progression. I appreciate this forum/blog, I have learned a lot and felt camaraderie with you all.
You're very welcome. I didn't think you sounded negative but even if you had you're entitled to write as you feel! This forum has helped me so much with advice and support and is a place we can voice fears we might not be able to elsewhere. That alone is a vital safety valve I think. X
Dear bloodshoteye,
The function of the injections for wet AMD is to suppress the abnormal blood vessels, stabilise the eye, maintain vision and prevent further damage. Although the injections are aimed towards maintaining as opposed to improving vision, sometimes individuals report a slight improvement within the first 2-3 injections.
I am copying links to our Guide to AMD, Treatments and our Essential care guide to wet AMD below:
macularsociety.org/sites/de...
macularsociety.org/sites/de...
macularsociety.org/sites/de...
Just to make you aware, the impact of the diagnosis of any eye condition and indeed any stage in the process is generally compared to experiencing bereavement. Individuals frequently go through very similar feelings and responses and in no set order. We do have a free telephone counselling service. Please contact us for further details if this is of interest. We need the individual’s verbal consent in order to be able to refer them. It takes a counsellor a maximum of a week to make the initial call. Our counsellors are fully trained and the majority have sight loss themselves. Sessions consist of approximately 6 of around 45-50 minutes each. I am copying a link to our booklet Emotional impact which references the counselling service:
macularsociety.org/sites/de...
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:
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:
help@macularsociety.org
Kind regards,
Hi, try not to worry too much, I have had very slight improvement in my left eye, which is now stable, so I think injections did help along with a change to a more healthy lifestyle, diet lots of curly kale, blueberries, pink seafood etc, extra walking, lost a stone, it is now 3 yrs since I had last injection. However it came in my right eye and I am on my nineth eyelea six weekly, which has stabilised my vision and lessened the fluid. I also take macushield gold and joint protection vitamins. I am so thankful to our Opthalmology dept, and never mind how long I have to wait, both my parents were virtually blind, as treatment was not around then, they also had history of smoking, which is a big risk factor. I wish you all the luck in the world with your treatment and that your vision will stabilise, take care, be positive if you can. Diagnosis is shattering, but taking it day by day will help.
IvyRose2-
I'm sorry to hear the MD is now in your right eye. Hopefully the injections will help that eye too. I also have improved my diet, adding more greens, kale, carrots, seafood and the AREDS 2 vitamins. You are lucky to have National Health Care, here in the US it's quite expensive for treatment- no vacation for me this summer. But that's fine-- I need to tend my garden planted with chard, kale, spinach, snap peas and tomatoes! Like you said, I'm taking it day by day and feeling happy to be alive and healthy in all other ways.
Thanks for writing.
Hi. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It is a terrible feeling knowing your sight has deteriorated. After a couple of injections I found my central vision Improved but the scarring just below my central vision has remained. I am grateful for any improvement. After four Injections I was told the fluid had gone so I haven't had an injection for about 2 months. I have another check up this week.
Wishing you well with your treatment. 2468G
Hi,I have just been diagnosed with wet AMD today I felt suicidal until I read everyone's comments on here .Chris5319
Hi chris5319.
I'm so glad you read our comments and that they have helped you. It is a terrible shock to get such a diagnosis. I feel for you. This site helped me a lot with my CNV diagnosis. The people on here have a wealth of experience and good advice. I am relatively new to it all and still learning. Hope you are getting the help and support you need.
Best wishes to you. 2468G
Thankyou for your reply I have my first hospital appointment next Monday for my injection I will let you know how I get on at Lichfield hospital
Sending you a hug too Chris x hang in there, the inj work and there is stem cell treatment on the far horizon. Check out the macular society site for good information and support.
Hi Chris, hang in there- it does get better. I was diagnosed 2 months ago and it was so shocking and sad. Now I'm accepting the facts and hoping for upcoming medical advancements, as mentioned by eyesright. Carpe diem
Thanks for your story. Wishing you the best for your vision health!
I don't think your vision will necessarily be without any blurriness following these treatments. Blurriness comes with age in any case. I have had a number of Eyelea injections and just recently, a steroid implant. The injections keep the macular oedema at bay and prevent it from getting any worse which would threaten your central vision. In my case, the oedema was threatening to impact on the part of the eye called the fovea so the implant was considered more appropriate (it lasts longer) than the Eyelea.
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