OZURDEX

[Eyesore]

Hi had my second injection 3 weeks ago and my consultant doesn’t think it’s going to work for me and has suggested trying Ozurdex Implant anybody had this and what does it entail is it like getting the Lucentis injections or different more painful etc.

[Hidden]

Hi, I've had quite a few ozurdex and can truthfully say each has been easier than Lucentis or eyelea inj. I think because you get anaesthetic drops plus an anaesthetic inj which you don't feel at all.

The procedure is otherwise pretty much the same except a drape will be placed over your face, the injector kit makes a loud click when it delivers , and they might massage the eye after (the implant is smaller than grain of rice but can leave a furrow in white of eye which massaging removes) it doesn't hurt just feels weird, I haven't had it with all mine.

I'm surprised your doc hasn't completed the loading dose of inj (3) before suggesting ozurdex. You might want to ask about that.

Also, they aren't approved by nice for all conditions. My understanding is they dont work for dry or wet md but do for retinal vein occlusion with oedema for eg.

There are a few things you need to be fully aware of before having ozurdex .

Cataracts are practically guaranteed. I got mine after 2nd implant but that was apparently quicker than usual. Raised iop very likely too. I was already on drops for that from previous lucentis inj but had to change to stronger ones which seem to work but am now under glaucoma clinic as well as medical retina clinic.

A friend had 3 and it worked. I'm still getting treated 6yrs later. So like the inj everyone is different. There will come a time when they won't give ozurdex anymore ( I think it's usually 6) unless it's making a difference as it is more trauma to the eye than inj. But you can go back to inj, I've gone back as ozurdex weren't available during covid but when this loading dose is reviewed I expect to get implant again.

Good luck going forwards.

[Eyesore in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the info I am totally confused about everything he is giving me another Lucentis on Monday I did ask him about trying Eylea but he said it wouldn’t work as I have got a lot of fluid it was then that he suggested trying Ozurdex I also have an Epiretinal membrane which he doesn’t treat I would have to go to MRI in Manchester for that am considering paying private just for consultation to see what they say. I wouldn’t get a cataract as I had lens surgery 9 years ago.

[Hidden in reply to Eyesore]

Hi, good to know you're getting the proper loading dose. You never know the 3rd might work !

I had a lot of oedema too and a good response to ozurdex, just not permanent for me, and it lasts months so you get a break from more regular injections which I found good psychologically.

Stay positive x

[Eyesore in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I’m trying 😻

[Sijslws in reply to Eyesore]

Will be interested in how things go for you. Had been on Lucentis injections for my Diabetic Macular Oedema for a long time, both eyes a lot of the time but towards the end of last year just my left eye. Was switched to Eyelea Summer / Autumn last year and had the final injection of a sequence of 3 just before the start of lock down. Did not receive any appointments during lock down but would have been in 2 minds anyway as was shielding due to my wife's medical conditions.

When Shielding finished I emailed PALS not to complain but enquire what was going to happen to people like myself who have not had a scan since before Lock Down. I immediately received an appointment for the Injection Clinic and then an appointment to see the Doctor 2 weeks prior to the Injection Clinic. Sight in my left eye had deteriorated and Doctor said I would have an Eyelea Injection when I came in to the Injection Clinic. When I got to the Injection Clinic the Doctor taking that Clinic indicated that he felt it would be better for me to have the Ozurdex implant as the risk of a Cateract was academic as I already have one developing in my left eye ( also have one in my right eye but one in left eye has developed much more ).

So now it's the waiting game to see if the Ozurdex proves more effective.

Alun