Question 1

Is this covered under Saskatchewan Health?

Accepted Answer

The visit and procedure is covered under Saskatchewan Health, however the medication is not.  It will depend on your diagnosis which drug you qualify for.  If you qualify for Eylea and Lucentis there is a patient support program you will be enrolled in.  If you are on the Senior's Drug Plan you will only pay $25 for your injection.  If you are not covered under the Senior's Drug Plan you will pay $285.  The patient support program will reimburse your costs.  If you have any 3rd party insurance they may also cover a portion of your injection.  If you are not eligible for Eylea or Lucentis you will receive Avastin which is not covered and will cost $55 per injection.

Question 2

Does the injection hurt?

Accepted Answer

The injection is relatively painless.  Most patients feel a pressure feeling more so than pain.  You will have numbing drops to numb the surface of the eye.  It is administered by a tiny needle similar to an insulin needle.  However after your injection once the numbing drops have worn off you may experience some discomfort and the eye may feel irritated.  This is likely more from the Betadine eye drops that are used to sterilize the eye.  It is recommended after your injection if your eye is uncomfortable you use your regular pain killer (ie: Tylenol or Advil) and lay down and close the eye.  The next day after your injection you can use artificial tears for comfort.

Question 3

How many injections will I need?

Accepted Answer

Injections are generally performed on a monthly basis initially.  In the first year you can expect around 9 injections, 6 in the second and 3 in the next.  The goal is to try to extend the interval of time between the injections.  Some patients require more frequent injections long term and some their disease stabilizes and they are able to ween off injections.  For most injections are a life long treatment.

Question 4

How long does it take to know the injections are working?

Accepted Answer

From a patient's perspective it may be difficult for you to know if the injections are working.  Not everyone notices a visual improvement.  You will be monitored closely with retinal scans and clinical examinations and this is how we will know if the injections are effective.  Usually it takes several injections before there is a noticeable improvement in your retinal appearance.

Question 5

I am on a blood thinner, will this cause any complications?"

Accepted Answer

Blood thinners are not a concern for your injection. There is no blood involved with an injection.  Patients who are on blood thinners may be more susceptible to conjunctival hemorrhages (bleed on the white part of your eye), however this is a minor and benign complication.

Question 6

Are eye injections safe?

Accepted Answer

There is a low risk of serious complications caused by the injections (about 0.1% chance per injection). These are retinal detachment or infection in your eye (endophthalmitis). This is why after your injection you are asked not to touch the eye or get anything in it for the rest of the day.  You should call the office immediately if you experience any redness, pain, sudden loss of vision, sudden onset of flashes and/or floaters.

Question 7

Will I be able to drive after my injection?

Accepted Answer

You will not be dilated at your injection appointments therefore you should be able to drive yourself as long as you feel comfortable and safe to do so.

Question 8

What if I miss an injection?

Accepted Answer

If you miss an injection please contact the office to reschedule. Many times injections have to be rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts or inclement weather and this is understandable. We try very hard to keep your intervals as consistent as possible however sometimes it is not possible. You cannot be injected any sooner then 4 weeks from your last injection.

Question 9

Who will give me the injection?

Accepted Answer

Although the prepping is usually done by a technician or a nurse, Dr. Varma will always be the one to give you the injection.

REGINA RETINA CENTRE

Dr. Renatta Varma MD FRCS

Eye Physician & Surgeon

Frequently asked questions