First injection for retinal occlusion, moving shadow and unknown cause

[Gr8m8]

I had my first injection yesterday for BRVO. How long did it take for your vision to improve after your first injection?

And the shadow in my eye also seems to be moving almost as if I can see the blood flowing through it. I know it sounds weird but that’s the best way to describe it. Has anyone experienced this?

Also my eye had been tingling for about a year ago after something flicked into my eye from the garbage disposal. I went to two ophthalmologists but they couldn’t find anything wrong. Now I have this occlusion and they can’t find the cause. I’ve done tests and I’m healthy. I can’t help but feel that the problem stems from the disposal. Has anyone had a similar experience?

[Becky_MacularSociety Partner]

Good afternoon Gr8m8,

The point of injections are to supress the leakage of fluid/blood onto the macula and to prevent further damage and sight loss. About 45-55% of patients treated with anti-VEGF injections experience a significant gain in vision. Steroid implants achieve a significant gain in vision in up to 30% of patients. 20-30% of patients experience no improvement in vision treatment

That black shadow in your eye, it should disperse within 24 hours of the injection, if it lasts longer and it is not getting smaller, contact the eye clinic for further advice.

Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of a retinal vein. It is a common cause of sudden painless reduction in vision in people over 60. The blockage of a vein causes blood and other fluids to leak into the retina, which causes damage that reduces vision.

Conditions that make RVO more likely include: high blood pressure; high cholesterol; glaucoma; diabetes; smoking; and certain rare blood disorders. Treatment of the risk factors dramatically reduces the risk of a further vein occlusion.

Best Wishes

Becky

Macular Society

Advice and Information

[e-mail]

0300 3030 111

[Gr8m8 in reply to Becky_MacularSociety]

Hi Becky,

Thanks for your reply.

The black shadow is still there so I’ll contact the clinic.

I’m only 46 and all of my blood tests have come back fine so the cause is a mystery.

[Hidden]

Hi gr8m8

As Becky says the aim is to stabilise. However many of us do see some small improvement I certainly have after each inj or implant I've had for my brvo. For me it takes 2 to 3 days.

For many with brvo only a few inj are needed, fingers crossed they work for you.

If you have to have more than the 3 loading dose don't worry, they will continue to treat you while ever the Oct shows reduction in fluid and your visual acuity improves/ is stabilised.

Sight problems are known to be akin to bereavement emotionally so be kind to yourself x

We have some "Helpful Stuff" posts you might find useful. They're a bit clunky to find as HU search is rubbish lol. Landscape works best. Click the 9 circles at the top of the page select macular society. Scroll over to Right and down to pinned posts. Click see all. Scroll down. You'll have to dip into each sub heading to find the posts I'm afraid but their titles will be obvious what they cover

[Gr8m8 in reply to Hidden]

Hi eyesright

Thank you for your reply. I’ve had many sleepless nights with my vision problem so this site and your advice is helpful.

I’m not sure if my vision is improving but I’ll give it some more time. I sometimes think it’s improving but more often than not, it’s just wishful thinking.

I’ll try your search tips for other posts. Thanks again for your help!

[Hidden in reply to Gr8m8]

You're welcome. I cried myself to sleep every night for 2 weeks after my diagnosis but 6 yrs on I'm still working driving and reading

This forum is a great place to get support and you can say here things you can't say to friends and family - everyone here " gets it" . Sending you a hug X

[Hidden in reply to Gr8m8]

Just spotted the topics are now listed below!!!

It looks like if you click on any post and scroll down you get the admin pinned posts and below those the topics with the Useful Stuff in them

[Gr8m8 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for your help! This forum is great as I don’t think anybody else understands what we go through. It’s truly gutting and your stress level goes through the roof. Thank you for your kind words. They’ve really made my day. 😊