Injection Caused Blindness

By meghankaty88

1 min read

I am grateful for all the stories that are shared on this website. I long to learn from others with similar experiences that AMD has created.

Developing a serious eye infection

I willingly have gone for my injections for years in hopes that I could hold off blindness for one more year, one more grandchild I want to read to. Four months ago after my injections, a serious eye infection developed 3 days later. Since it was a Sunday, my retinal specialist did not see me or order any treatment.

Lost my vision completely in one eye

The following day, I had surgery. I believe it was too little too late. I lost my vision completely in that eye. I am grateful that it was the eye that already had significant vision loss and not my "good eye." However, in hindsight (pun intended?) I question why I was getting injections in an eye that could only read the first line on an eye chart. There was no chance of improving vision. At least I had light in that eye and no pain.

Fear, pain, and worry

Now I have two serious problems. One is the fear to get injections in my good eye for fear of an infection and losing all sight. Or forgoing injections and allowing the AMD to progress quicker. The second is the incredible pain in the blind eye with no recommended solutions. The suggestion is that the eye may have to be removed to address the pain. No good solutions it seems. Just wanted to share and ask for any insight if you want to share.

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Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
You've certainly had a difficult time of it <inline-mention user-id="3138229" username="meghankaty88"/> . I've read that infection can be a rare side effect of the injections. Perhaps someone in the community has had this experience and can share ideas with you. You have some difficult decisions to make. I wish you the best for the future and am sure you will get support here. Wendy - Advocate.
Sharon Moore Moderator
<inline-mention user-id="3138229" username="meghankaty88"/> thank you for sharing your painful story with us. I am so sorry you lost your vision in one eye and that it causes you so much pain. My Dad lost vision in one eye as a young boy and it caused him pain all his life. He refused to have it removed. Your dilemma over injections in the other eye is understandable. Have you shared your fear of infection with your retinal specialist? Perhaps a more stringent protocol to prevent infection could be an option. Wishing you all the best, Sharon Moore Advocate
1. meghankaty88 Member
 Hi Sharon, Thanks for responding to my post. I'm always thinking about how and when I would decide to have an eye evisceration vs continue to keep my eye with some pain. You said your Dad always had pain but never had it removed. Do you know what went into his decision? No one can tell me how long to expect discomfort or if it's forever. I appreciate any experience you can share. Susan
2. Sharon Moore Moderator
 @meghankaty88 Dad never discussed his decision openly. Until Dad was old enough for Medicare he never had healthcare insurance and that probably influenced his decision not to have it removed. HIs pain was not constant but happened periodically throughout his life. I am sorry you have this difficult situation and I hope you can come to the decision that is best for your situation. Best wishes, Sharon Moore Advocate
edielaude Member
I feel bad for you losing sight in one eye is devastating enough but contemplating actual removal of this eye has to be even worse. However how could you get an infection in that eye with all the precautions to prevent said infection is puzzling to me. Before I get my injection I get a thorough application of Biotine plus more anti-infection agents. After the injection I am told not to touch my eye at all. Not to expose myself to anything that could cause an infection. The reason I bring this up is now that I know that an infection is not just something that can happen but mostly never does I know that in reality it does. Still since it happened to you I send you good thoughts and hope everything will turn out as best as it can for you