Does anyone have information about the new radiation treatment for Wet Macular?

[gunning96]

[Comms Macular Society]

Hi

The new treatment is called Oraya (or iRay). It's a tiny dose of radiation which is given when a person needs Lucentis injections. The manufacturer's trial data suggest that it reduces the number of injections needed to stabilise vision. On average the number of injections can be reduced by a third. At the moment it's only available in the private sector but it's hoped that some new data due to be published soon will encourage the NHS to adopt it as well.

The Macular Society helpline can tell you more 0300 3030 111 (Mon-Fri 9-5).

Best wishes

[gunning96 in reply to Comms]

Thank you for your reply. I have been having regular injections in both eyes for the past four years and my eyesight is holding. I have heard Eyelea mentioned and also radiation to reduce the number of injections. I wondered about the difference.

Thank you again.

[Bench57]

Hi

As my experience of Lucentis injections has been problematic, I am concidering Oraya. I would be prepared to pay for this, at a push, £4,000 has been mentioned. My worry is that I would then be considered to be a private patient as far as the NHS was concerned as there is no way I could finance anything other then this one off treatment. I know it is sometimes not possible to mix NHS and private treatments, has anyone out there any idea how things stand, regarding this.

Best wishes

[andy1955 Macular Society]

Hello Bench57,

We have made some enquiries and as far as we can establish, having the Oraya 'I-Ray' treatment should not preclude you from continuing NHS treatment afterwards.

It is however advisable to check with your existing hospital eye consultant that this is the case in your particular area.

Best wishes

Helpline

Macular Society

[Bench57]

Many thanks, I will do as you have suggested.

[crazyquilter]

I too asked about this treatment at my visit for eye injections. The person I asked (I don't know his status, but he was administering the injections) didn't advise it for me anyway. I get eyelea injections in both eyes, which are dry but must continue for a year. He told me that it wasn't conclusive that the treatment would be successful. However that was just his opinion probably because he was nhs , maybe the I-Ray clinic would say something different. I would look into the success rates if at all possible first. I have been tempted too, but the cost is prohibitive.