Tips to help you prepare for your LUCENTIS procedure
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
Tips for living with low vision
Make things brighter
- Improve lighting: Try using a gooseneck lamp; carry a pocket flashlight
- Reduce glare: Cover shiny surfaces indoors; use a visor; try tinted lenses (yellow, amber, or plum)
- Increase contrast: Use a dark black rollerball or felt pen, not a ballpoint; use a white cup for coffee
Make things bigger
- Move closer: Sit close to the TV and at performances
- Enlarge: Find large-print versions of common items, such as clocks, checks, cards, remotes, and keyboards
- Magnify: Use a lighted magnifying glass; get an electronic reader for books; enable magnification on your computer and smartphone
- Organize: Decide on a permanent place to keep things; minimize clutter
- Label: Mark medications with dark markers or rubber bands; mark thermostats and dials with tactile paint
Rely on your hearing
- Audio format: Find books and magazines in audio formats
- Talking technology: Get a talking watch, calculator, and glucometer; enable screen reading for your cell phone or computer
Tips for dealing with anxiety related to your LUCENTIS injection
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.
Helpful links
AMDF (American Macular Degeneration Foundation)
Learn about the AMDF (American Macular Degeneration Foundation) and get resources and support.
(AAO) American Academy of Ophthalmology
Learn about the American Academy of Ophthalmology and get resources and support.
Learn about the NEI (National Eye Institute) and get resources and support.
Is there patient support?
LUCENTIS Patient Support Specialists are here to:
- Assist in enrolling you in the Patient Support Program
- Provide you with information about financial assistance options
Call 1-833-EYE-GENE (1-833-393-4363) and press 0 for any question.
This service is for information only and is not a substitute for consulting your Retina Specialist. Only your Retina Specialist can make treatment recommendations for you.
Why should I join the LUCENTIS Patient Support Program?
If you have wet AMD, join the LUCENTIS Patient Support Program to receive more information and support, including:
The Genentech Ophthalmology Support Line that makes it easy for you to quickly access the information and support you need. Our representatives are available Monday–Friday, 9 ᴀᴍ to 8 ᴘᴍ Eastern Time.
Call 1-833-EYE-GENE (1-833-393-4363) and press 0 for any question.
Brochures mailed to your home
Emails with tips and resources to help you stay on track
Information on patient assistance options from Genentech Ophthalmology Access Solutions