TL;DR
The number of injections you’ll need for macular degeneration depends on various factors, including the type of macular degeneration, the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider, and how your condition responds to treatment.
The role of injections in treating wet macular degeneration
For people diagnosed with wet macular degeneration, injections are often necessary to prevent further damage to the retina.
These injections, called anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections, help stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye and reduce fluid leakage.
The most common medications used for this purpose include ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and bevacizumab (Avastin).
How often do you need injections for macular degeneration?
The frequency of injections varies depending on how your condition progresses. Generally, you can expect the following:
Initial phase
In the first year of treatment, you may need to have injections once a month or once every six weeks. This frequency allows your healthcare provider to closely monitor your condition and assess how well you’re responding to the treatment.
Ongoing treatment
After the first year, the frequency of injections may decrease, but you’ll likely still need them on a regular basis. Some people may require injections every two months, while others may need them every three to four months. Your doctor will decide the best schedule based on your individual needs and the results of regular eye exams.
What affects how long you need injections?
Several factors can influence how long you need to continue receiving injections for wet macular degeneration:
- How well you respond to treatment: If the injections are effective in stabilising your vision and preventing further damage, your doctor may reduce the frequency of treatments over time. However, if the condition worsens, more frequent injections may be required.
- Progression of the disease: If macular degeneration continues to progress, more injections may be necessary. Regular monitoring through eye exams helps doctors determine whether adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan.
- Personal health and lifestyle factors: Your overall health and lifestyle can play a role in how your condition responds to treatment. For example, managing underlying health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can positively affect the outcome of macular degeneration treatments.
The importance of regular monitoring
Even if the frequency of injections decreases after the initial treatment phase, it’s essential to keep up with regular eye exams. Your doctor will monitor your condition closely to ensure that the injections are still working and that there are no signs of new abnormal blood vessel growth.
These exams typically involve a test called optical coherence tomography (OCT), which allows your doctor to view detailed images of your retina. This helps them see if any new areas of fluid or leakage are developing.
If needed, your doctor may decide to adjust your treatment plan, including the frequency of injections.
Managing the side effects of injections
Like any medical treatment, anti-VEGF injections can have side effects. Some people experience mild discomfort or temporary vision blurring after an injection. In rare cases, more serious complications like eye infections or retinal detachment can occur. If you notice any sudden changes in your vision or experience pain, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately.
Managing side effects can also involve adjusting the treatment plan. For example, your doctor may choose a different medication or change the injection schedule if you experience any significant side effects.
When can you stop receiving injections?
The goal of treatment for wet macular degeneration is to stabilise your vision and prevent further deterioration. In some cases, people with well-managed macular degeneration may eventually be able to reduce or stop their injections. However, this is not the case for everyone. Some people may need to continue receiving injections for life, depending on how their condition progresses.
Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you and advise you on when it might be appropriate to consider stopping the injections. It’s important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations closely to ensure the best possible outcome for your eye health.
