The Effect of Punctal Plugs in Reducing Ocular Surface Irritation After Povidone-Iodine Preparation of Intravitreal Injection

Intravitreal injection is a shot of medication into the eye. Many retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusions require regular, periodic injections. Patients often reports eye surface irritation post intravitreal injection. One of the reasons for such discomfort is attributed to povidone-iodine solution used to clean the eye surface to reduce sight-threatening infections. Patients who already experience symptoms of dry eye are at increased risk of discomfort after povidone-iodine prepped intravitreal injections.

Povidone-iodine is known to be corrosive to the corneal epithelium and delay eye surface healing. Human tears contain proteins and chemicals that lubricate, heal, and protect the eye surface from infections and irritants. Adequate tear film therefore not only dilutes povidone-iodine, but also promotes corneal healing post povidone-iodine prepping.

The primary long-term objective of the present study is to investigate whether punctal plugs will reduce eye discomfort post intravitreal injections as reported by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and other relevant surveys. The secondary outcome is to describe any other risk and protective factors associated with eye surface discomfort after intravitreal injections.