I'm an Odd Bird!

By dickg

2 min read

I saw on FB an article about betadine causing issues with shots in the eye, so here is my story. 30 years ago I woke up on my birthday with a blind spot in my right eye. The next day at my new retina doctor's office I had laser surgery to stop the bleeding behind my retina.

7 laser surgeries total

I was given a choice of using the laser or the blind spot, the bleeding was creating, could continue, and possibly consume the entire vision in that eye. I opted to continue, knowing what sight I had lost would never come back. Think of a spot welder sealing up the area. 7 laser surgeries total, in both eyes occurred before Avastin came along as a treatment for wet MD and Ocular Histoplasmosis, my condition. I had blind spots in both eyes but had retained my central vision in my left eye.

Miserable burning after the betadine drops

Years went by and a new doctor came to the practice and soon after I started having injections of Avastin and never saw the laser again. It was a miracle to me but came with the side effect of burning eyes for maybe 4 hours after the numbing wore off. It was miserable. I asked him to use another antiseptic but he refused as betadine was the best. This went on for 30 some shots as I got one every time I noticed a change or the scan showed a leaky spot.

Getting along wonderfully with the swab method

I got on the internet and found that some retina guys had gone to using a swab with betadine on it, instead of 4 or 5 drops like my guy used. My guy laid me back in the chair applied a drop or 2 while getting the Avastin ready etc. Put another drop in, gave me the shot, and one more drop for good measure. It was my opinion the betadine seeped around the edge of my eye and it couldn't be washed out. Last December I quit the practice of 30 years after deciding it couldn't get any worse someplace else. I found a new doctor, closer to home, who uses the swab method and we are getting along wonderfully!

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shelby-comito Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention user-id="3114986" username="dickg"/> , that Facebook post you're referring to certainly has conjured up some really good discussion! I cannot thank you enough for coming from our Facebook page to share your story further with the community. I am shocked that you've been through 7 laser surgeries!! That certainly must have been a tough experience, and I'm glad to hear that the anti-VEGF eye injections have been a much better fit for you, with the exception of the painful betadine drops. That seems to be many others' experiences as well, and I'm so grateful you shared about the swab method - that is news to me, and I'm sure it may be for others, too! Thank you again for sharing your experience as it's a huge help to others here. We're grateful to have you in our community! - Shelby, <a href='http://MacularDegeneration.net' target='_blank'>MacularDegeneration.net</a> Team Member
Andrea Junge Moderator
Eek, not a great birthday gift, <inline-mention user-id="3114986" username="dickg"/> ! You certainly have been through a lot and your experience can certainly help others in our community. We appreciate you telling your story and starting great conversations among members. I've only had one laser surgery for a retinal tear. I'm glad to see that things are starting to finally calm down for you and that you're being positive and have a new doctor that you get along with. Wishing you well. -Andrea, <a href='http://MacularDegeneration.net' target='_blank'>MacularDegeneration.net</a> Team Member
erniep1 Member
Thanks for sharing your story Dick. I was diagnosed early and never needed laser surgery. I started receiving Avastin injections early and always experienced the burning that you mention. I never associated it with the betadine until I left my home state and moved to VA. I found a new retinologist here and found that his preparation for the injection differed significantly from the doctor I had in CT. I now realize it is the way the betadine is applied. I leave the office with minimal discomfort. I hope that any doctors who visit this site take note of the patient experiences. Thanks, again, for posting.
missafton Member
I haven't heard of the swab method. You have certainly had a history. I have problems with the betadine & the doctor says I have to have it & doesn't wash after so I just put a couple drops of Refresh in when I get home & solved the problem. If I feel anything later just use the Refresh again. He knows I do this & seems fine with it.

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