Hi all! Went to a retina specialist because I was having some problems with my eyesight. He told me I would need Anti-VEGF injections in one eye, and laser treatment in the other. The idea of laser treatment scares the absolute crap out of me, not because I’m afraid of pain or discomfort (when you’re diabetic for 17 years there isn’t a lot that bothers you. You got to do what you got to do, amiright?) but because I am afraid of what my eyesight will be like afterward. I have read so many medical papers on it, but not much in the way of patient experience. I have so many questions and when I asked my retina specialist about it, he said “Well, there’s no doubt you need it.” Which wasn’t exactly a helpful answer. So here are my questions, and if anyone could answer some of these, I would be very grateful! I am supposed to go for the first treatment this Wednesday.
(Yeah, I’m going to list these…)
1, What has your experience been?
2, What side effects did you experience? I’ve heard things like permanent spots, loss of peripheral vision, and cataracts. Has anyone ever had these symptoms, and if so, how bad? What did you do about it?
3. Is this a safe procedure? I’m terrified that I’ll twitch my eyeball and the laser will destroy my vision.
4. I know this treatment has been around since the '70’s and I’ve read some places that Anti-VEGF (avastin,… that one that begins with an ‘L’…) is supposed to replace laser treatment. Has anyone heard anything about that?
I know I’m forgetting a few questions I have, but if anyone can help, I would appreciate it! I’m just so nervous. Thank you!