Injections Into The Eye

[SpikeyBush]

I have the early onset of diabetic retinopathy. No visual impairment now and maybe not for some years to come but it has been suggested that at some point injections into the eye may be needed to reverse damage. This really gives me the willies. I find it hard keeping my eyes still just for the examination. How will I keep them still when a bit of metal is being jabbed into them?

[factor-fiction]

I'm not sure whether you'll feel it. I wear contact lenses so maybe my eyes have become accustomed to being touched but soon after getting them I found I could press a pencil or finger against my uncovered eyeball without feeling any discomfort at all, so maybe you'll quickly get used to it

[Buenchico]

There's an explanation of the procedure (together with mention of alternative treatments) here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetic-retinopathy/Pages/Treatment.aspx

The video here might be of interest to you:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetic-retinopathy/Pages/Tim-story.aspx

However I admit that the thought of it would give me the willies too!

[Mamyalynne]

I really do feel for you and understand, I have acute open angle glaucoma and have had many procedures carried out and my biggest fear was the eye moving and things going wrong - but they are very adept at keeping things still and numbing the surrounding area, so try not to fret too much and think of the benefits.

[VHG]

I had to have a number of injections into my eye about 30 years ago as I had a serious eye infection.

Though the thought of it was quite bad, when they came to do it I did not feel a thing.

It is actually a case of the THOUGHT of it is actually worse than them actually DOING IT.

Try to relax, and you will hardly notice it.

[Bazile]

They will numb the eye before , with eye drops

[BlueToffee]

Like VHG I too had an eye infection which needed injections in both eyes. Numbing drops before the needle goes in and you won't feel a thing. Promise you that it will be OK, the thought is far worse than the deed.

Good luck.

[islasmum]

I have diabetic retinopathy, and have had the back of my eyes lasered several times, which is uncomfortable, but not painful - if they are likely to start injecting into my eyes, they'll have to catch me first! The lasering I can cope with, but injections into the eyes? Scary!! The eye numbing drops are fine, and work very well, as everyone has said, it's just the idea of a needle going into the eye. I've had a cataract done on one eye, and they must cut into the eye somehow (I had local anaesthetic, not a general) but I don't remember being scared of that. I remember that when I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy I had to inform the DVLC. and had a yearly test done for my driving licence, but now have a ten year licence. Good luck spikey, and try not to think about the needle!

[Bazile]

islasmum

From what you say , i assume that you would have had your eye pressure taken with one of those apparatus which the doctor brings towards your eyes , untill it touches the eye ball .

Granted , it is not pointed like a needle , however do you have problems with that as well ?

[johnny37]

Ive had diabetic retinopathy for years which was orginally treated by laser. The drops to dilate the pupil did sting but the lasering was painless. Ive never heard of injections.

[islasmum]

Yes Basile, I find it very difficult not to blink whilst they try and take the pressure behind the eye - they have to try and catch me unawares!

[SpikeyBush]

Thanks everyone for your input. Especially Buenchico whose link was very informative.