Intravitreal infusion: A novel approach for intraocular drug delivery

Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 25:6:37676. doi: 10.1038/srep37676.

Abstract

Intraocular injection has become an increasingly important intervention in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. However, an acute intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after intravitreal injection is a common concern. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal infusion in maintaining stable IOP in a rabbit model. Trypan blue (TB) 0.06% with an external pump was used to evaluate intravitreal infusion in rabbit eyes. Groups A (50 μL), B (100 μL), C (150 μL), and D (200 μL) were slowly infused over 30 minutes with TB. As a control, Group E underwent conventional intravitreal injection of 100 μL of TB. Group F received a bolus infusion of 100 μL of TB within 1 minute. The mean increases in IOP during infusion for each group were: Group A (7.93 ± 3.80 mmHg), B (13.97 ± 3.17 mmHg), C (19.91 ± 6.06 mmHg) and D (29.38 ± 8.97 mmHg). Immediately post-injection in group E the mean increase in IOP amounted to 34.33 ± 6.57 mmHg. The mean increase in IOP of group F after bolus infusion was 49.89 ± 1.71 mmHg. Intravitreal infusion maintains a stable IOP and provides a controlled infusion speed compared with intravitreal injection.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Eye / drug effects
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Intravitreal Injections*
  • Rabbits
  • Trypan Blue / administration & dosage
  • Trypan Blue / pharmacology

Substances

  • Trypan Blue