Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is there any alternative to receiving eye injection treatment for “swelling” of my macula?

    Related Topics
    Eye Cancers (Retinoblastomas) Macular Degeneration Optic Atrophy
    I have been told that I have fluid at my macular and referred to an eye specialist for possible injection treatment to my eye. Is there any alternative treatment? I am frightened about even the thought of a needle near my eye!
    answer this question

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 12

    Thanks

    Dr John H. Chang

    Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist)

    Dr John Chang is a Sydney-based ophthalmologist with specialist training in cataract surgery, medical retina and comprehensive ophthalmology. At his Strathfield practice, Dr Chang provides … View Profile

    A. It is very understandable and natural that you are anxious about even the possibility of an injection into the eye. However, it is absolutely critical that you do see the eye specialist without delay as such timely treatment may be essential to prevent you from going blind. It depends on what condition is responsible for your macular swelling, as a variety of diagnosis including wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and ocular inflammation can all result in fluid build up at the macular or “macular oedema”. In most cases, eye injection is the only treatment option or the most effective one. Some conditions may have alternative options such as retinal laser treatment. Depending on your specific circumstances, your eye specialist may offer you various treatment options. I can assure you that eye injection treatment can be delivered in a very safe way that does not cause pain or discomfort. There is plenty of anaesthesia to numb the eye beforehand to ensure that patients do not feel anything sharp or painful. The needle is very small and you won’t see the needle coming and it is often over before you even know it. Your ophthalmologist will explain carefully what is involved with the procedure and highlight the relevant benefits, risks and appropriate aftercare.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
    Reply to this post

    You must be a Health Professional to reply to this post. to your account or now (it's free).

answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Community Sponsor(s)
Related Fact Sheets
Related Questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices