Injections for life? Will health insurance or NHS pay?

[Mpatz]

I am "only" 53 and have needed to have 2 Eylea injections in my left eye to resolve a slight bleed. So far, so good, but I am wondering if I will need regular injections for the rest of my life? Has anyone else found that a few injections can stop the macular degeneration in its tracks? Also, will my private health insurer stop paying if I need injections as a "maintenance" treatment? If yes, then will the NHS fund Eylea injections?

[Jbenson]

I am saying this with my fingers firmly crossed. I had the initial 3 loading injections April to July 2015 and a 4th injection in November 2015 and none since. Although I have twice had a buildup of fluid behind the eye since and been referred for an injection only to find it had resolved it’s self by the time I went for the appointment. I do have Uveitis and both these buildups have occurred during a flare up. there is hope and I think it’s different for everyone Good Luck.

[Mpatz in reply to Jbenson]

Thanks for the positive reply. I know everyone is different. Just nice to know its not unheard of to only need a few injections. Really pleased for you. I am ever the optimist, so hope I can report back a similar story in a few weeks/months time.

[Becky_MacularSociety Partner]

Hello Mpatz,

Whilst everyone is different, for some people, they only need some injections before they don't need any further injections, their wet amd has become "stable" - however the leaking fluid can always start up again meaning more injections are needed which is why continuing to monitor your vision is important at this stage.

It is best to check with your health insurance if and how many injections they will fund, as wet AMD is a chronic condition it is unlikely they will continue to pay for injections, but they may fund a certain amount.

The treatment for wet amd is available on the NHS as Eyelea injections.

Best Wishes,

Becky

The Macular Society

Advice and Information

0300 3030 111

[e-mail]

[alalex101]

In 2016 I had a bleed in my right eye. It resolved after one injection of Avastin. No other injections have been needed. I have a OCT scan every 6 months now and use the Amsler grid. I was 56 when the bleed occurred. I have worse vision on my other eye due to a different problem- CSR. I am in USA. There is hope for new treatments and for long periods of stability.

[Hidden]

I can’t speak for private insurance but I was told 10yrs ago that I could have anti-VEGF injections for life or until I did not feel that they were working for me. 98 so far but others have had far more than me.