Antibiotics and injections

[pinkperfection]

Does anyone know why you should not have taken antibiotics in last two weeks before an injection?I suffer with blepharitis and get flares up, I have a cyst on my good eye but in the past I was refused in case infection spread to my bad eye. Well up to a point I understand that but even when I don't have a flare up the nurse always asks if I have taken antibiotics in last two weeks. I just wonder why this is so important? Surely not having the injections is far more concerning. Any ideas anyone?

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear pinkperfection,

It may be worth ringing your ophthalmologist via their secretary to obtain a full explanation.

Kind regards,

Macular Society Advice and Information Service

0300 3030 111

[pinkperfection in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thanks Rosalyn

Unfortunately I do not have an ophthalmologist as such. I go to the hospital eye clinic but end up seeing different people so it is difficult to know who to speak to. Organisation is not their strong point and they are not always very good at answering the telephones.

[middlejoel in reply to pinkperfection]

I have been taking shots every 2 months or so for about 3 years and to my recollection, I have never been asked if I had an antibiotics shot, maybe the first time.

jal

[pinkperfection in reply to middlejoel]

Thanks I am hoping they won't refuse me next week. It seems my clinic are a bit over zealous.

[Hidden]

I have had well over 80 shots and an implant over 8yrs and have never encountered this. I have even had several injections into the same eye whilst suffering a long lasting stye albeit with lots of antibiotic drops as a precaution.

[pinkperfection in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply I cannot understand why this is such an issue at my clinic. Just hoping my injection goes ahead next week.

[Hidden in reply to pinkperfection]

So often it appears to stem from little knowledge of the risks and an overcompensating reaction. In other instances it appears to arise from outdated practices. I am sceptical of CPD in some areas of the medical profession. Too often it stems from the attitude "We have always done it this way."

Such a contrast from the Best Practice which I am privileged to experience most of the time.

[Eyeproblems]

I've been having injections for the last four years and have never been asked if I've taken antibiotics or am taking antibiotics.