Maybe a silly question ???????

[mischa123]

hi, newbie on board here ! just had 1 of 3 eye injections for wet macular.

The comment upon 'reading my eye test results, by the nurse was, only just failed' without raising hopes? would you say I may reach the drivers requirements after the next 2 injections. Just wondered thank you

[Tetrazzini]

If your other eye is not affected then you can drive legally.

[mischa123 in reply to Tetrazzini]

Thank you Tetrazzini for taking the time to come back to me.

[Bigtish]

Hi Mischa, I can’t really comment but only « just failed » may be worth a retest. Unlike my condition which is transient, I think Macular degeneration is permanent.

[mischa123 in reply to Bigtish]

Yes, I have found out I have (left) dry (right) wet. They are only treating the right eye. thanks for coming back to me Bigtish.

[Hidden]

In the UK i believe the driving standard for a car is one eye at least 6/12 (you can double check on the dvla website).

Was the nurse specifically referring to driving? Or just that particular line on the chart?

Depending on your condition there may just be stabilisation rather than improvement.

I would ask your clinic the specific question " am I legal to drive?". It may be worth having an optician's test too after your 3 inj ( I'm currently waiting to compare clinic v optician's advice on the same topic so as not to invalidate my insurance nor be a danger to others).

Good luck.

[tallyho in reply to Hidden]

Having an opticians test would incur a fee if you have had one with in a year. Best corrected vision has to be at least 6/12 to be able to drive. You are right that Only one eye needs to be that or better.

[Emelinep]

If you have wet AMD in both eyes you have by law, to report it to DVLA which I did they sent me to Specsavers(who have the DVLA testing contract) where I had field & sight tests. Luckily I passed both and 10 days later I had my licence for the next 3 years. However you have to report any deterioration or if your eye clinic/optician tells you to stop driving.

[Eyeproblems]

Hi mischa123. We all react differently to the injections, after my first 3 I definitely had an improvement in my sight in the affected (wet AMD ) eye

And continuing injections (14) over 4 years have kept me enough sight to drive. Touch wood other eye has good sight.

Best wishes with your injections.

[mischa123 in reply to Eyeproblems]

To say thank you for your reply.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear mischa123,

I am copying a link to our booklet on Driving:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

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.

Usually, an initial loading dose of 3 injections is given, once a month for 3 months, then the eye is reviewed. If further injections are required, then how far apart these are administered is then determined by whether an individual is receiving Lucentis, Eylea or Avastin injections:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Although the injections are aimed towards maintaining as opposed to improving vision, sometimes individuals report a slight improvement within the first 2-3 injections.

However, this is variable.

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,

[mischa123 in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Hi Rosalyn thanks so much for your input, I have taken all points on board. Rod