A New Suggested Strategy for Safe Injection of Ozurdex.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES\nOzurdex intravitreal injection is performed via a patented injection device. However, there is a common misconception among ophthalmologists regarding the relation between the speed of applicator button depression and the speed of pellet injection.\n\n\nPATIENTS AND METHODS\nSix dexamethasone intravitreal implants were injected into a calibrated ex vivo water bath. Three of the pellets were injected via rapid compression, whereas the other three implants were injected using a 3-second compression technique. The procedures were recorded using high-speed photography followed by calculation of pellet velocity and impact force.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe mean impact velocity and force of the pellet insertion is significantly higher in the fast injection group compared to the slow injection group.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nBy depressing the Ozurdex implant injector during a 3-second time interval, the impact force of the implant pellet is reduced by about 95%. This new technique will theoretically reduce the risk of retinal injury and vitreous hemorrhage from Ozurdex injections. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:e23-e25.].