Options other than intravitreal injections?

[Lefteye625]

Hi, I have had 3 surgeries for Rd - the first in Aug 08, with scleral buckle and gas bubble, then it detached again when the bubble went down, so I had another surgery in Sept 08, this time with silicone oil.  The oil was removed in December 08, and cataract surgery done at that time  In the 2 years since the oil was removed, I have been receiving injections every six weeks to 3 months.   Sometimes I am injected with Avastin, and sometimes with Triessence.  As I understand it, this is being done to treat persistent CME.  My vision in that RD eye is not improving anymore.  I'm being told that the swelling has to be controlled in order to save my eye  I'm just really getting tired and frustrated with the shots, and feel like this is going to be going on forever!  My doc is one of the best in the world, at the best eye hospital in the world (Bascom Palmer), so it's not like I question his/their treatment, but I just wonder if there's something else that could be done, or even if it's completely necessary, since it's not helping my vision in that eye.  Any thoughts from the doctors or other patients?

[Lefteye625]

As I mentioned, I have been having these injections..I had an Avastin injection on Monday, and have had a terrible headache since  Tylenol doesn't help  I've had this problem before, and the doctor just says I "shouldn't".  But I DO!  It keeps me from being able to focus at work.  Is this normal?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

It can get worse.  I would try every option before giving up.  This is a decision you have to make with your doctor.  I knwew Dr. Smiddy from when I was at Johns Hopkins.  He is very capable and honest doctor.

Dr. O.

[Lefteye625]

Thanks for responding.  I am seeing Dr. Tim Murray, as when I first was diagnosed with RD, there was also some concern about a nevus.  He has kept me on as a patient, although about a year ago the hospital wanted to send me to Dr. Smiddy, saying that Dr. Murray would only see patients with ocular cancer.   I preferred not to switch, and Dr. Murray kept me on. I will ask him about Ozurdex.  What do you think if I were to  stop treatment, as it doesn't sem to be helping?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Are you seeing Dr. Smiddy?   Ask your retinal doctor about an Ozurdex implant.  This is a slow releasing implant of steroid (Triessence is a steroid) that lasts 3 to 6 months.

Dr. O.