To clamp or not to clamp!

[Yeso]

Hi all, just wondering what your opinion is regarding having eye clamp on while having injections. I had eye clamp only on first injection, I then had a very sore eye for about a week. Also I felt a moment of slight panic as I could see the needle coming, and I asked the specialist which way I should look, and he said..just as you are as he injected my eye. I have since had four more injections without clamp and with no problems thank God, I am asked to look in a certain direction as I get injections, I get two short injections into the same eye one after another, this suits me as I don’t get that feeling of panic as much... wishing you all well and stay safe especially at this time x

[Koalajane]

The clamp never causes a problem for me and I get told where to look

[springcross]

I started off having the clamp but then nothing until a few months ago when it started being used again. So far, I've had no problems but I've read on here that other people have. I am always told (left eye being injected) to look up and to the right or look to the end of my nose.

[Retired130]

Been getting injections for over 3 years. Avastin at first and now on Eylea for about 2 years. Have never had a clamp, not even once. Works out fine for me.

[Hidden]

It seems to depend on who does the injection as to whether a clamp is used. In just short of 100 by numerous different individuals I can recall just 1 where a clamp was not used.

Certainly, a clamp needs care in fitting.

[MikeG1944]

I've had injections over 2 years and they always use the clamp. I think the reason may be that as you get older (76) your eyelids are more floppy and don't open as wide as they did. However I've never had problems with the clamps.

Mike.

[tallyho]

Injections monthly for 9 years now for DMO years . Used to inject both till gave up on my left as it did not respond.

Always had a clamp very carefully fitted never a problem. I would not want an injection without a clamp.

I know where to look before they even ask me so no problems there. I generally give them a score out of 10 of how well they did ( they all know me now after so many years) and usually it’s a 9 or 10 last one was 11 it was that good.

[Jihm]

Sometimes a clamp is used some times not. I prefer to get the shot without the clamp. The clamp is more irritating than the shot.

[JJnan]

Hi Yeso, ivechad both eyes injected (just 1 now) and always had a clamp,

I've found it depends on injector if they are gentle or not..always told to look up or down when putting clamp in

I've always been told to look left..right...etc before they inject..

the worse clamp ive had was last injection in March, the injector came from behind and just struggled to shove clamp in with first asking me to look up or down ...then proceeded to WASH my with iodine!

It was 3 days before my eye stopping hurting !.......I will mention ti consultant next time but I had a conversation with him same day before injection , about good and bad injectors.....all he said was new injectors are being trained as their so busy...all well and good if their taught right!

[Hrosie]

I have always assumed the clamping is to give better access to the eye and prevent me from blinking during an injection. It's never been a problem for me & all part of the procedure.

[SHELBY427]

I was never given an option. Always used the clamp. When it is first put on very uncomfortable for me, shortly after much better. I know I would shut my eyes as the needle came toward me. I'm chicken no matter how many times I get a shot.

[SHELBY427]

I wanted to add, I even have raised my hand it's a normal human reaction to protect yourself. I now sit on my hands. My doctor did yell at me. I understand.

[Catseyes235]

Looking at other replies I wonder if I could ask not to have the clamp used..I hate it and it wasn’t used the first time. Somehow I don’t think I have the option as the person who didn’t use it the first time now does. Also it is definitely possible to try and blink with a clamp.

[Yeso]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences.. now if only we can continue with our treatment!

Stay well and safe everyone,

Stay in His peace at this challenging time x