Abstract
Purpose::
To report the technique and safety of Transcapsular IntraVitreal Injection (TIVI) following routine phacoemulsification in a group of patients with combined cataract and longstanding macular pathology from a variety of etiologies.
Methods::
Seventeen eyes of 12 patients (7 male, 5 female) with a median age of 78 years underwent routine phacoemulsification and ‘in the bag’ lens implantation under topical anaesthesia. At the end of surgery each patient received an intravitreal injection of 20 mg of triamcinolone through a 27 G needle that was introduced into the vitreous cavity via the paracentesis and then passed through the peripheral iris and the periphery of both the anterior capsule remnant and the intact posterior capsule.
Results::
No discomfort was experienced by any of the patients. All injections were performed without complication with no evidence of intraocular lens (IOL) instability or vitreous presentation occurring either at the time of injection or with subsequent follow up (mean 9.3 months). Minimal softening of the globe occurred in some eyes due to anterior chamber (AC) decompression when the needle passed through the paracentesis.
Conclusions::
Transcapsular intravitreal injection following cataract surgery is safe and easy to perform and offers the surgeon an alternative technique for the delivery of drugs into the vitreous cavity.
Keywords: injection • vitreous • cataract