Wet macular degeneration and blood thinners

[Twoes]

Has anyone been diagnosed with wet macular degeneration

after being given Clopidogrel or other blood thinners.

Have seen some posts about it on a

USA sites but nothing on UK sites.

I find the second round of eye injections very painful

and distressing. Dreading the next one, feel really shook up for the rest of the day.

[MikeG1944]

Hi Twoes; I had Dry AMD for a few years and over a year ago was put on a blood thinner, Xarelto (Rivaroxaban). This year I was diagnosed with Wet AMD in one eye which I am having injections of Eylea for. Whether there is any connection I am not sure as Dry can change to Wet any time I am told. I think there would need to be a lot of research before a connection could be made.

Mike.

[Bobbie915 in reply to MikeG1944]

Having had a heart attack and triple by-pass, I am on aspirin . Last year I had a massive bleed and lost central vision in one eye. Also a bleed at the same time in the other eye, has left me with very poor vision. Unfortunately, can't turn back the clock.

[OtusProteusArcus in reply to MikeG1944]

I agree with your connection, happened to me, too. And, specialists don't listen to patient or whole body.

[fed12]

Do get in touch with the Macular Society. I do wish you the very best. You will get a lot of advice, information and comfort from them. Helpline 0300 3030 111: wmacularsociety.org.

[Hidden]

Hi Twoes

I doubt that the blood thinners would encourage new blood vessels to grow and hence lead to AMD, but once the neovascularisation has taken place for whatever reason, the blood thinner is quite likely to cause bleeding and hence wet AMD to occur and probably be more severe. You may well end up with a blood shot eye after an injection. Maybe you could ease off the blood thinner a day or so before your injection is due, but you need to discuss this first with your GP and eye clinic. Don't do this of your own back.

As for the pain, unfortunately, many of us are faced with it almost every time. You could try eye soothing drops and relaxation. Also: ask for more anaesthetic drops. Always tell the clinic about your experience. Hope things improve for you.

[Twoes in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response. I am seeing the Doc on Wednesday. I also have MD in my other eye so do have big concerns about the Clopidogrel and intend to stop taking it. As I’m now 81 yrs old I don’t expect to be in perfect health, I look after myself and even do my own decorating and suchlike. However I am extremely deaf and I’m now faced with a cochlear implant as I have otosclerosis Being deaf and blind is not an option for me. I fear that more than a stroke. (That sounds a bit dramatic doesn’t it). Still, old age isn’t for wimps.

Thanks for your reply it’s what I was thinking could be the case.

[RosMacularSociety Partner]

Dear Twoes,

Please contact us direct on the Macular Society helpline.

The injections should not be painful. I am copying a link to our information relating to this. This could be useful as a discussion point with your ophthalmologist. It may be wise to contact them in advance of your next injection:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Other useful information can be found here:

macularsociety.org/resources

You can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[silkysoft]

Hi Toes, I take Rivaroxaban 20 mg daily...any injections which may cause bleeding or tooth extractions etc I have been told to just stop taking it 2 /3 days beforehand as it has a short *life* and goes out of your system in 24 hours. Please don`t risk a stroke a.no matter what * life is worth living * hug for you Silky

[Catseyes235]

Just came across your old post and wondered how you’re getting on. I was put on Clopidogrel following a stroke but had already been having Eyelea for three years. I had to take a break from injections but now back on track. Just wondered if your still on Clopidogrel and Eyelea??

[Twoes in reply to Catseyes235]

Hi, yes still on Clopidogrel. Still also having injections but I know they changed it about eighteen months ago. Can’t remember which one I’m on now but seems to be keeping it under control. I moved so it’s a different hospital and now every six weeks. The eye unit in Kidderminster didn’t close for injections when the virus started so that was lucky.

Hope you are still getting benefits from the injections though they are not pleasant to have.

[Catseyes235]

Thanks so much for replying. Good to hear you’re still taking the tablets and having eye injections. I am too but that break from injections due to stroke did have a detrimental effect on one eye needing monthly injections again. Think I may need one next month too but am back on track.

The Eye Unit at Kingston has been very good at keeping open, easy to get to and it is such a big consideration when considering moving. It must have been a big step .

Hope if you had cochlear implant that it went well and the injections aren’t painful. Best wishes!

[Atlas1522]

Hi Twoes After being on Eliquis blood thinner for 4 months I was diagnosed with wet AMD my doctors said there was no connection but I wasn’t convinced so I got a Watchman implanted continued with shots in both eyes with no fluid in either eye have now stopped with shots in my good eye and so far still dry keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck to you try getting a double rinse after your shot it helped me.