Macular Disease Treatments

To reduce fluid leakage and/or bleeding at the macula caused by age related macular degeneration, diabetic macular disease or vein occlusions. The injections will improve or maintain your existing vision and reduce the risk of future blindness.

The procedure is done in a reclining chair in a procedure room within the practice

• Drops (and a small local anaesthetic injection if desired) are placed in your eye to make it numb.

• The eye is cleaned, your face is covered and a retractor to keep the eye open may be placed.

• The injection is made with a tiny needle into the white part of the eye and takes a second. You look away from where the injection is .You are usually unable to see the injection occurring.

• Moisturising drops are placed in the eye afterwards to improve comfort.

It is recommended you avoid driving on the day of your injection and avoid swimming for 3 days afterwards to reduce the risk of infection. Your eye may be a little bit irritable and red. You may find lubricating eye drops will help improve these symptoms if needed.

The most common issues are a red eye after injection (subconjunctival haemorrhage), irritation from the cleaning solution or a small abrasion on the front of the eye.

Less common risks are: A large rise in eye pressure, bleeding inside the eye (vitreous haemorrhage). Deterioration in vision despite treatment, development of cataract or glaucoma.

Rare sight threatening risks are: Infection (endophthalmitis) in 1:1000 patients. Detachment of the retina.

Most conditions will require monthly injections for the first 3 months. After this, depending on your eye condition, vision and response to treatment the length of time between injections can usually be extended.

The cost per eye injection is $650 and includes examination by Dr Sharwood, OCT scan of your macula and the procedure. You will receive a medicare rebate of $280 per injection. Once you reach your medicare safety net threshold for the calendar year your rebate rises to $520 per injection. The pharmacy that supplies the medication will also charge you for the medication at the standard PBS subsidy rate.