Cool vs Room-temperature Artificial Tears

Randomized Controlled Study of Cooled Versus Room-Temperature Artificial Tears for Reducing Surface Irritation Following Intravitreal Injection

Background and Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of cooled versus room temperature artificial tears in reducing post intravitreal injection (IVI) ocular discomfort.

Patients and Methods: Patients receiving IVI were randomized to either cooled or room temperature tears intervention groups. Both groups rated their ocular discomfort following IVI before intervention and again after administration of cooled or room temperature tears.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients were eligible if they were receiving standard intravitreal injections for their exudative age-related macular degeneration, cystoid macular edema, diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion with macular edema, or retinal neovascularization.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability or lack of willingness to participate in the study
• Active ocular infection including infectious uveitis
• First time receiving intravitreal injection
• Those who reported never having ocular discomfort following intravitreal injections on the pre-injection questionnaire
• Less than 18 years of age