Ocular decompression with cotton swabs lowers intraocular pressure elevation after intravitreal injection.

Objective: To determine the effect of preinjection ocular decompression by cotton swabs on the immediate rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal injections.

Methods: Forty-eight patients receiving 0.05 mL ranibizumab injections in a retina clinic were randomized to 2 anesthetic methods in each eye on the same day (if bilateral disease) or on consecutive visits (if unilateral disease).

Randomized clinical trial of two anesthetic techniques for intravitreal injections: 4% liquid lidocaine on cotton swabs versus 3.5% lidocaine gel.

Objective: To compare same-day and next-day pain control and safety of two anesthetic techniques utilizing 4% liquid lidocaine applied with sterile cotton swabs versus 3.5% lidocaine gel for intravitreal injections. Main outcome measures were: discomfort during anesthetic preparation and needle penetration, 1 and 24 h after injection.