Use the links below to explore this guide on what you may expect during your LUCENTIS treatment.
What you may expect during a LUCENTIS injection
You may have already received a LUCENTIS treatment. If not, you should know that LUCENTIS is given as an injection into the eye. Feeling anxious about treatment is normal. Remember, if you have wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), having more information about what to expect with treatment can help put you at ease.
Side effects have been seen with LUCENTIS, including serious eye infections and detached retinas. Before receiving injections, review the Important Safety Information and see the full Prescribing Information associated with LUCENTIS.
Preparing for LUCENTIS treatment day
Before your appointment, there are a few things you may do ahead of time to help make it a smoother experience:
- Create a list of all of the current prescriptions and other medications (like vitamins) you are taking
- Block off several hours before and after the procedure to give yourself ample time
- Feeling nervous? Schedule an early appointment so that treatment-day nerves can't build up
- Arrange for transportation to/from your appointment
LUCENTIS Treatment Planner
Download the LUCENTIS treatment planner to help prepare for you or your loved one’s appointment.
On treatment day
At your appointment, your Retina Specialist may:
- Ask you to read an eye chart
- Give you eye drops
- Perform tests to check the condition of your eye
Before treatment
These activities may make your LUCENTIS experience more comfortable. Be sure to talk to your Retina Specialist about any discomfort you feel when receiving LUCENTIS.
Music
Listening to music can calm your nerves and ease your mind. Ask your doctor if you can bring your own music player to treatment
Breathing Techniques
Doing breathing techniques can help you relax and reduce stress levels
Equal breathing
Breathe in through your nose over a count of 4:
“1, 2, 3, 4.”
Then breathe out through your nose over another count of 4.
And repeat the 8‐count exercise as many times as you feel you need. This will help balance your body.
Alternate breathing
Hold your right thumb over your right nostril and breathe in through your nose.
At the height of the breath, take your thumb off your right nostril and hold your index finger over your left nostril.
Exhale and repeat the exercise by alternating your thumb and index finger.
Relaxation Techniques
Doing relaxation techniques can help you relax and reduce stress levels
Progressive relaxation
With your eyes closed, focus on contracting different muscle groups for 2‐3 seconds, then relaxing.
Start with your feet and toes, move up to your knees, thighs, rear, chest, arms, hands, neck, jaw, and blinking your eyes. Maintain deep, slow breaths the entire time.
During your LUCENTIS treatment
Knowing what to expect at the Retina Specialist's office can help ease your mind.
During the injection, your Retina Care Team will do everything they can to help make you feel more comfortable, including:
- Cleaning the area around your eye and using a tool to gently hold it open
- Eye drops to numb your eye before the injection
LUCENTIS Patient Support Program
Enroll in the LUCENTIS Patient Support Program for resources like live one-on-one phone support, emails, or brochures.
Financial Assistance Options
There may be options to help you afford LUCENTIS, no matter what type of health insurance you have. Learn about Genentech Ophthalmology Access Solutions.