Intravitreal injections using a novel conjunctival mould: a comparison with a conventional technique

Br J Ophthalmol. 2013 Apr;97(4):395-7. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2012-302155. Epub 2012 Sep 21.

Abstract

Aims: The aims were to compare a novel conjunctival mould used to assist the delivery of intravitreal drugs to a conventional technique with respect to patient, surgeon and cost benefit.

Methods: A prospective review of 200 intravitreal injections was undertaken, 100 using a 'conventional' freehand technique (group 1) and 100 using a novel conjunctival mould (group 2). Intraoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, patient preference, surgeon perception of the ease of insertion of the conjunctival mould were recorded as well as a cost comparison.

Results: VAS pain score in the conventional group was 2.58 compared to 1.38 in the conjunctival mould group (p<0.01). The surgeon reported the insertion of the conjunctival mould as easy in 89 cases, moderate in 10 cases, and difficult in one case. The cost saving with a conjunctival mould pack compared to a conventional pack was £7.70; an annual saving of £19,250 for the trust.

Conclusions: The reduction in the VAS pain score with the conjunctival mould was statistically significant (p<0.01). The surgeons found that the device, which was easy to insert, offered excellent globe stability and a safe, reproducible entry site and angle of needle insertion.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Drug Delivery Systems / economics
  • Drug Delivery Systems / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Eye Pain / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections / economics
  • Intravitreal Injections / instrumentation*
  • Macular Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Patient Preference
  • Physicians / psychology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ranibizumab
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Ranibizumab