Laser treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

[islasmum]

I had to have laser treatment on my right eye on friday, as apparently the retina was a bit swollen. and little veins behind the eye were leaking.. I have had laser treatment about 10 - 11 years ago on both eyes so I knew what they were going to do. Before the laser treatment, I had a dye injected into me so as to show up the veins behind the eye. What I would like to know is - is it possible that I had a reaction to the dye, as after coming home (about 2 hours later) I vomited 4 times and also had quite bad diahhroea, and a slight temperature? I don't think that it was brought on by stress or fear, as I knew what was going to happen. I feel fine now, but as it's possible I may have to have more laser treatment in the future, so is it worth mentioning this episode to the doctor in future? Thanks for any help.

[Sqad]

islasmum...yes there is a small chance of a hypersensitivity reaction to the dye injection.
I am not an opththalmic specialist but an Aber ..york 360 ////will give you a better opinion.

[Sqad]

Sorry....I didn't answer your question.......yes, it is important that you mention this to your Ophthalmologist next time.

[islasmum]

Thanks Sqad - I'll hope that york360 passes this way!

[york310]

The adverse reaction to the dye (flourescein) is pretty common an I think is about ten percent risk. This is mainly the nausea and vomiting although an extremely small percent have more issues such as respiratory difficulties and cardiac problems.

Mention it next time anyway but to be honest the symptoms you face from the flourescein angiogram are less of a problem than the damage that may be caused by new diabetic retinopathy. They may provide drugs to limit your symptoms from the dye though. They may also ensure they have systems in place should something more serious occur.

[islasmum]

Thanks york310 - when I had the original lasering in about 2001, I didn't have any dye injected - or if I did, I don't remember any adverse effect. I'm due back at the eye clinic in 3 months, but am seeing the diabetic nurse in a couple of weeks, so will tell her about the reaction. Thanks to you and Sqad for your very helpful answers