Your eye/s may feel gritty or irritated for 24 – 48 hours after the injection this will settle. If your eye/s are uncomfortable you can take some paracetamol or ibuprofen (if tolerated) to help with the discomfort. You may also purchase lubricating drops from the pharmacy this may help to sooth the eye. If you are to use lubricating drops fresh bottles must be used after each injection.
Floaters or blobs in your vision is normal and will disappear within a few days. These floaters occur due to tiny air bubbles forming in the medication that is to be injected.
The white part of the injected eye can develop a painless bruise/ haemorrhage on the surface of the eye, this may last up to 14 days. This bruise can make the eye appear bloodshot.
• Do not rub the injected eye, there is a risk of causing a scratch to the front surface of the eye whilst the anaesthetic drops used to numb your eye are still effective.
• Wash your hands thoroughly prior to touching your eye/s.
• The eye can be gently cleaned using a clean tissue if you need to wipe any excess tears away. Dispose of the tissue after each wipe and use a new fresh tissue each time you clean the eye.
• Avoid tap water/ soap or shampoo getting into the injected eye for 48 hours after your injection.
• Do not go swimming for one week after the injection.
• You must continue to use any other eye drops that have been prescribed for you ensuring that fresh bottles are used in the injected eye following each injection.
• Do not be concerned if you experience any blood stained tears.
• Do not wear your contact lenses for 24 hours.
• Do not wear eye makeup for 24 hours.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Pain that does not resolve after taking pain killers.
• Reduction in your vision.
• Floaters, flashing lights or a curtain appearing in the vision.
• Yellow coloured discharge.
• Increasing number of black dots or floaters.
In the event you experience any of the above complications please contact the Medical Retina Unit (office hours) or ward 14 (out of hours) immediately. A nurse will triage your call and arrange the appropriate support/guidance for you.
Patient Relations Department
The Patient Relations Department offers impartial advice and deals with any concern or complaints the Trust receives. You can contact them via tel: 01253 955589 or by email: bfwh.patientrelations@nhs.net
You can also write to us at: Patient Relations Department, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool FY3 8NR
Further information is available on our website: www.bfwh.nhs.uk
