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Intravitreal injections using a novel conjunctival mould: a comparison with a conventional technique
  1. Gokulan Ratnarajan,
  2. Remin Nath,
  3. Shivashankar Appaswamy,
  4. Sarah-Lucie Watson
  1. Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Gokulan Ratnarajan, Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN, UK;g.ratnarajan{at}gmail.com

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.

  • Retina
  • Treatment Surgery

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