Perhaps your doctor has told you about a special treatment because of a change in your vision or because of swelling in your eye. It is normal to feel a little scared and nervous when they say that a small device is being inserted into your eye. Today we are talking about one such treatment, the Fluocinolone implant. There is nothing to be afraid of when you hear this, let's understand this very simply.
What is this Fluocinolone implant?
Simply put, Fluocinolone is a type of medication . It belongs to a class of drugs called `corticosteroids`. These medications mainly control swelling and inflammation in the body.
But this is not something you take like a pill or rub on like an ointment. This is a very small device, smaller than a grain of rice. This device contains a medicine called Fluocinolone. The doctor will carefully and carefully insert this small device into your eye using a special technique. This is what we call an `implant`.
So what happens with this?
Once this tiny implant is implanted into the eye, it releases the medication very slowly and over a long period of time. It is mainly used to treat swelling inside the eye, especially a condition called macular edema.
What is macular edema? Simply put, it is a condition in which the retina, the central part of the eye that is important for vision, becomes swollen and filled with fluid. This can cause blurred vision and make it difficult to see things clearly.
This medicine can be found in the market under various brand names such as `Iluvien`, `Retisert`, `YUTIQ`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before deciding to give you this treatment, your doctor will ask you a few questions. But in addition to all of that, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your situation | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Any active infection in the eye or other part of the body | Because corticosteroids can exacerbate infections, it is essential to be aware of any existing infections. |
| Diabetes | Because these types of steroids can increase blood sugar levels, diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully. |
| Glaucoma disease | Steroid use can increase intraocular pressure, which can be especially harmful to glaucoma patients. |
| Allergies to fluocinolone or other medicines, foods, or dyes | For your safety, your doctor should be aware of any allergies you have. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | Before using any medication during pregnancy, you should discuss its safety with your doctor. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | It is important to talk to your doctor about whether this medication passes to your baby through breast milk. |
How is this treatment given and what happens afterwards?
This treatment is not something you can do at home. It is performed by an ophthalmologist in a hospital or clinic .
This is what usually happens. The doctor will first numb your eye with anesthetic eye drops. So you won't feel much pain. Then, using sterilized instruments, he will very carefully insert this small implant into your eye. The entire process takes a short time.
Important: This is a doctor-administered medicine, so the 'overdose' rule does not apply here. However, if you ever have an emergency about this medicine or any other medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Also, in case of an emergency, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Things to consider after treatment
- Go to the clinic on the scheduled date: Once the implant is inserted into the eye, the work is not over. You need to have your eye condition and eye pressure checked regularly. So, do n't miss the 'clinic dates' given by the doctor.
- Follow instructions: Follow the doctor's instructions after treatment (for example, the eye drops they give you, not to wet your eyes with water).
- Vision changes: Your vision may be slightly blurry for a while after treatment. This is normal. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until your doctor gives you permission to do so.
- Other medications: Do not use any other eye drops or eye ointments without first checking with your doctor. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any medical treatment, there are some possible side effects. But not everyone gets them. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, blue eyes in light, sudden loss of vision, etc. |
| Eye pain | Persistent or severe eye pain. |
| Symptoms of eye infection | Eye redness, swelling, pain, or discharge of mucus or other fluid from the eye. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Mild headache. |
| Seeing things floating before the eyes (Floaters) | After treatment, I see small black dots moving around in front of my eyes, like balls of thread floating around. |
| Mild eye redness or discomfort | It is a temporary condition that occurs immediately after treatment. |
| Tears flowing from the eyes | Watery eyes. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- The fluocinolone implant is a small device that is inserted into the eye by a specialist to reduce swelling inside the eye and releases medication over a long period of time.
- Before receiving this treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, such as diabetes, glaucoma, and allergies.
- Do not miss the clinic dates that the doctor gives you after treatment. It is very important to monitor the pressure and condition of the eye.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe eye pain, a sudden change in vision, or signs of infection (redness, swelling).
- If you have any questions about this treatment, don't be afraid or hesitant to ask your doctor. It's your right.
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