Novel technique streamlines intravitreal injections, reducing patient and staff time

A novel intravitreal injection technique, which combines topical anesthesia and anesthetic gel, significantly reduces the time required for injections compared to current standard techniques, according to a presentation by Michael Singer MD at ASRS 2024.

The process includes using a lid speculum and performing intravitreal injections nasally, ensuring the needle is perpendicular to the globe for minimal discomfort. Betadine is applied at 3 different stages to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis.

The study included a comparison of this technique to traditional methods, including temporal injections with topical or subconjunctival anesthesia.

The study reviewed 825 injections using the new technique, with 391 unilateral and 217 bilateral injections. The mean time for unilateral injections was 119 seconds, while bilateral injections averaged 152 seconds. No demographic factors influenced the injection time. The new technique showed a statistically significant time difference for bilateral injections (76 seconds per eye) compared to unilateral injections (119 seconds).

For comparison, the standard topical technique took an average of 756 seconds of combined physician and technician time for unilateral injections, with the physician’s time averaging 118 seconds. The new technique was significantly faster overall, though not when comparing just the physician’s time. The subconjunctival technique took 1098 seconds on average, which was longer than the new technique.

Dr Singer concluded that the efficiency gained by this new technique “is crucial as the demand for intravitreal injections is expected to rise with the adoption of new therapies for geographic atrophy.”

Reference
Singer M, et al. A Novel Technique for Performing Intravitreal Injections. Presented at: ASRS 42nd Annual Meeting: July 17–20, 2024.