Study shows intravitreal injection needle size insignificant in patient-reported pain scores

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In a comparison of 27-gauge and 30-gauge needles used for intravitreal injections for treatment of age-related macular degeneration, there was no significant difference in patient-reported pain from the injections, but all surgeons in the study preferred using the 30-gauge needle, according to a presentation here.

Susanne Binder, MD, and colleagues reported the results of a study of the influence of intravitreal injection needle size on patient-reported pain. The study, a randomized, double-armed, single-masked, single-center clinical trial, was presented in a poster presentation at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting.

Patients were randomized to receive either a 30-gauge or 27-gauge injection. Patients were asked to grade their pain using the visual analogue scale and the Wong-Baker FACES scale immediately after injection. Topical anesthesia was standardized in both groups.

While gender and the number of previous injections influenced pain scores in both groups, there was no statistical difference in pain scores between the two groups. A surgeon questionnaire, however, showed a preference for 30-gauge needles.

Disclosure: Dr. Binder has no relevant financial disclosures.