wet eye macular disease can it be cured

[Pekingese]

Hi everyone, I’ve been having problems with my left eye for a few weeks now, seen the optician and she’s refured me to the hospital to see the eye specialist for Macular disease. Any straight lines are wavy. I’m feeling so anxious as the optician said I would have to have needles in my eye I’m so scared 😟 I’ve heard they put drops in to numb your eye? It’s the needle that’s freaking me out.

[springcross]

Hi Pekingese. I think most of us feel the same initially - I certainly did that's for sure, I was terrified but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be and I didn't have any pain, just a feeling of pressure so try not to worry. Easy to say I know but you should get enough anaesthetic drops to numb any pain and the injection is done so quickly - a matter of a few seconds and it's over. You can ask them to give you extra anaesthetic drops prior to the injection if you're that worried. Good luck and let us know how it goes. 🤞

[Pekingese in reply to springcross]

Thank you so much I’ve been a bag of nerves 😬 anything to do with eyes scares the hell out of me . I’m so glad I found this site . Ros

[springcross in reply to Pekingese]

I was too and was absolutely dreading it so I can well imagine how you're feeling about it and I'm sure the majority of the other posters on here would say the same too. The thing is, it's going to save your sight so that's what you have to keep in mind. x

[Pekingese in reply to springcross]

Thank you, it’s just the unknown scares you. Im just going to keep my self busy and try not to think about it. And your right as long as it safes my sight that’s the main thing.

[springcross in reply to Pekingese]

Yes, the unknown does scare you and the initial shock!!!

[Pekingese in reply to springcross]

Thank you again for listening to me you’ve eased my mind, I’ve never heard of anything like this before. Xx

[springcross in reply to Pekingese]

You're very welcome, that's what we're here for. xx

[MKMG in reply to springcross]

It definitely isn't as bad as you would think. You are aware of the injection but it's definitely not painful and it's over before you know it. Keep breathing slowly whilst it's being done, then you're more relaxed. Ask if one of the nurses can hold your hand, that made a big difference for me.

[RP1944 in reply to MKMG]

It’s painful for some of us. The anesthetic drops never work for me.

[Pekingese in reply to RP1944]

Oh no I’m going to ask for more drops to numb my eye 😩

[Pekingese in reply to MKMG]

Thank you I will definitely be asking her to hold my hand 😬

[Engineer46]

Hi Pekingese,

Seeing straight lines as wavy is a strong indication of wet macular disease (wet AMD). You can spot it easily by looking at things like lamp posts, the sides and tops of doors, anything that should be vertical or horizontal.

You ask if it can be cured and the answer is that it can be stopped from getting worse and the sight problems can sometimes be reduced, but you will probably still see straight lines as wavy, but perhaps only slightly wavy!

The important thing is to start treatment as soon as possible, or your sight will certainly deteriorate.

Others have explained their experience and mine is similar - no pain, just a little pressure, and the injection is over very quickly. You will need to have repeat injections for several months until the problem is under control. Usually these are at 4-8 week intervals.

To ease my own concerns when having my first injection I told myself that it is just a procedure that you have to undergo. I still tell myself the same thing every time and I never feel anxious.

As AMD is something that mainly affects older people (mine started when I was 65), it can occur at the same time that cataracts are developing. I found that, after injections had effectively stopped my wet AMD from getting worse, my spectacle prescription would keep changing and I spent a fortune on glasses over a ten year period, trying to keep my sight well within the driving requirements. I put this variation in prescription down to my AMD.

However, during a routine eye test, a high street optician said that my prescription problems were more likely to be caused by cataracts. I had both cataracts removed and the results were frankly amazing. The signs to watch out for are problems driving at night and difficulty reading faint text in poor light when others can read it easily. You may be told that the cataracts are not significant, but if they are affecting your quality of life, say so and the NHS should remove them. Just another "procedure"!

Best wishes for speedy treatment.

Paul

PS One thing they never mention is to take a pair of sunglasses with you when you go to the clinic. Your eyes will have been dilated (with eyedrops) and the world will look extremely bright when you leave the clinic, especially if it's a sunny day!

[Pekingese in reply to Engineer46]

Hi Engineer, thank you for your response. I have all the above with straight lines they are wavy, I also have the onset of cataracts the optician told me yesterday. I wear contact lenses as well as my spectacles. I will mention when I get my appointment about the cataracts. Thanks again for the heads up about the sun glasses. I’m 71 and did think it’s old age 😁 best regards Ros

[RosMacularSociety Partner]

Dear Pekingese,

In the UK the NICE guidelines for the treatment of wet age related macular degeneration (wet AMD), are that from when the wet AMD is suspected (at the opticians) to treatment, should be no more than 2 weeks.

When did you see the optician? Have you heard back from the hospital eye clinic with an appointment?

We have injection buddies, volunteers who have had the injections and are willing to talk to anyone about to have one who is frightened by the thought of them. Please contact us direct if you would like us to arrange one of these for you:

macularsociety.org/support/...

I have copied links to two of our related booklets:

1. Your guide to AMD

macularsociety.org/media/ec...

2. Treatment for AMD

macularsociety.org/media/p5...

The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

Macular Society helpline

macularsociety.org

[Pekingese in reply to RosMacularSociety]

Hi Ros, I was at the opticians yesterday to get this checked out, it started a few weeks ago. My optician has sent a refural to the hospital so just waiting for a letter or she said they might give me a call. The optician did say I would have to go weekly for the injections. Thank you for the links I will definitely have a read. Best regards Ros

[RosMacularSociety Partner]

Hello Pekingese,

Did the optician do a fast track referral, straight through to the eye clinic, by passing the GP? If not, then they should have done.

It is important that you chase your hospital appointment. If you know which hospital you have been referred to, then you can ring them and ask to talk to the macular clinic (ophthalmology), and check if they have received your referral, and when an appointment is likely to be.

As explained, it is a 2 week treatment guideline for wet AMD. In general terms, the earlier treatment, the better the prognosis.

Please contact us direct if you would like to discuss this further.

Kind regards,

Also Ros

[Pekingese in reply to RosMacularSociety]

Thanks Ros, yes she did say she would fast track the appointment, and also gave me the number to ring if it gets worse in case it’s more than 2 weeks if I haven’t heard from them . Thanks for all the information. Ros 😊

[Knitcat]

Hi Pekingese,

I was exactly the same as you last year. This site (especially springcross) & the advice from the Macular Society have been a huge support & a massive help to me. I can’t add any more but will repeat the advice to stay relaxed & take sunglasses. I’m having injections every 6 weeks & have one next week.

You will be fine, best wishes x

[Pekingese in reply to Knitcat]

Hello Knitcat, I’m so grateful for all the comments everyone has been so lovely. Yes I’m going to try and relax 🤞 I hope it goes well for you next week. Best wishes Rosalyn x

[Knitcat in reply to Pekingese]

Thank you, Rosalyn, it makes a big difference to know you’re not on your own. Kind wishes, Angela x