Macular oedema and steroids

[Koalajane]

I have diabetic macular oedema and my opthamologist said today that although my eyes are not getting any worse my right eye maybe needs some laser. She said she thought it wasn’t the diabetes that was the problem, I am in remission with a hba1c of 37 but the steroids. Any thoughts on this please. My dose is now 8.5mg alter being on 4mg and flaring.

[SheffieldJane]

My eyes seem to be changing, deteriorating sight mainly. I have already spent a fortune on glasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses etc. I would have questions about the stability of my eyesight, eye health before agreeing to irreversible treatment. I am on 7 mgs of Pred and back on Tocilizumab. What would the purpose of the laser be?

[Koalajane in reply to SheffieldJane]

The laser is to seal some of the leaking veins in the macular, I have already had one dose which has not been detrimental

[SheffieldJane in reply to Koalajane]

I think you’ve decided really. In your case I think I would go ahead.

[Koalajane]

After having had my first laser treatment I am happy to have more but she wants to discuss it with someone I presume is more senior. Really wondering if the steroids could be making it worse

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Koalajane]

Doubtful on lower doses, but maybe previously when higher - you have been on them for a long time.,

[Koalajane in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your reply

[Purple-Owl]

A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with macular degeneration.

There are two kinds of this: wet and dry. The wet version is caused, (if I rightly understand it} by tiny rogue blood vessels growing among the light sensitive cells in the centre of the eye. Fatty deposits from these kill light sensitive cells.

I have just had my second injection of Avastin, which inhibits further blood vessel growth. There was no mention of laser treatment. It sounds as if this might be to seal off existing blood vessels and prevent them from doing further damage.

I'm glad your clinician is seeking another opinion, and maybe your case is totally different from mine Koalajane. But I did wonder if my PMR and/or steroids might have caused the growth of these rogue vessels in my left eye.

I am 88, have had PMR for over 3 years and am on 7mg. My mother lost her eyesight but this was from GCA. It was my fear of inheriting this that caused me to go for an eye test when I noticed a black spot appearing for a brief while in the centre of my vision on waking up.

[Koalajane]

Mine is not macular degeneration but macular oedema

[tangocharlie]

I'm puzzled. I've had CMO (macular oedema) in the past and they gave me steroid eye drops, Pred Forte. I also had a membrane peel, which made things worse for years. Eventually the problem went away, maybe coincidentally? when I started on steroids for PMR. I haven't heard of the procedure you've had so maybe it's new-ish. Really hope it works for you

[Koalajane]

I have been having injections for a while and one laser treatment which didn’t seem to do much. It will be interesting to see what is suggested. She also mentioned steroid injections.Thanks for your teply