Frequency of check ups

[Languedoc]

After the three loading lucentis injections and review, assuming the leakage has stopped, how often are follow up visits?

[Bobbie915]

I have a check-up every 5 weeks. I am having Eyelea which I understand lasts a little longer than other injections. I think the average is about 4 to 5 weeks.

[Languedoc in reply to Bobbie915]

How often do you need injections?

[Bobbie915 in reply to Languedoc]

How long is a piece of string?????

Personally, for about 18 months I had injections in both eyes, occasionally only 1 eye and occasionally neither. I have now lost my central vision in one eye so no longer have injections in that eye. My other eye, very poor vision and more often than not, I have injection every other visit.

I wouldn't say my experience is the normal. Everyone is different and some respond to the treatment better than others. Injections are only given if there is a build up of fluid.

Fingers crossed, you might be one of the lucky ones. Don't let the injections put you off, they are nothing compared with loosing your central vision. Wishing you lots of luck.

[Languedoc in reply to Bobbie915]

Thank you, I'll keep my fingers crossed. All the best to you.

[fed13]

After 5 weeks ring up and chase if you haven't heard. I was supposed to be followed up after 4/6 weeks, and it never happened until I rang the consultants secretary. Got follow up at 13 weeks. far too long.

All the best; this forum is amine of information. xx

[RP1944]

Hi Languedoc, from personal experience, when I first started the injections of Lucentis, after the 3 loading injections I was checked approximately every 4 weeks. I had injections as and when required. Having changed location and Medical services I had two injections of Eyelea approx 2 months apart and since June 2018 have had no injections and check ups have gone to every 2 months. All of us are different and dont always have the exact same treatment. Enjoy this forum which is great, full of kind and helpful people.,

Best Wishes.

[Retired130]

My experience with Eylea has been: 3 injections 4 weeks apart showing great improvement, so the next one was after 5 weeks & showed more improvement so the next one after 6 weeks, the next one was scheduled after 8 weeks for April 2019 & the tests before the shot showed only a tiny bit of fluid after the 8 weeks, so I got the shot in April and the next one is scheduled (after tests & scan) for 9 weeks = late June.

My doctor is very careful so his intervals increase very gradually since, in the past, I was on Avastin and one month, after 9 months of Avastin shot every 4 weeks, it failed & I regressed within 2 months back to where I was 10 months previous. My doctor does not want another regression like that to happen, so he is increasing the interval slowly, but other doctors might increase your interval quicker if you have not shown any regression.

[Languedoc in reply to Retired130]

Thanks, that’s helpful and makes me feel a little more positive. I’ve only recently been diagnosed and apart from the obvious worry about the condition I’m finding it difficult coping with the restrictions it imposes. I’ve been enjoying a very full retirement, spending a lot of time in our holiday home in France, still as long as my sight is saved I guess I have to just come to terms with it.

[Lizjim]

I had three injection then a scan then 4 injections then scan I was then told no treatment was necessary at moment ,then a scan 6 weeks later I have now had no treatment for 4 months but have a scan every 6 weeks.

Hope this helps but everyone is different.

[Languedoc in reply to Lizjim]

Thanks, it really is helpful to hear everyone's experiences. I had my second injection two weeks ago and came away feeling rather despondent as I realised that there would be no update on the effectiveness of the treatment until the review at the end of June.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Languedoc,

The function of the injections for wet AMD is to suppress the abnormal blood vessels developing behind the retina, stabilise the eye, maintain vision and prevent further damage. Therefore, if the eye becomes stable for a period of time, there will be no function for the injections. However, it is possible that the wet AMD may become active again, in which case further injections would be needed. During these periods of stability, it is important to check an Amsler grid weekly. This will help gauge if there are any changes to the eye, which may indicate if more injections are needed. If any changes are identified, then it is important that the eye clinic is contacted straight away.

After the loading dose of 3 injections, then the eye is reviewed and if more are needed, how far apart they are is determined by which treatment regimen the individual is placed on. For Lucentis, there are three possible treatment regimens. Therefore, it is important to know which one you are placed on so that you can determine whether your injections are on time or potentially late, so need to be chased.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss this further. The Macular Society Advice and Information service is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[Languedoc in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thank you, that makes it much clearer.