[Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections: The patient's experience]

Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (IVI) represent a therapeutic revolution in the treatment of many retinal pathologies. Despite their safety and efficacy, some patients may experience significant discomfort and anxiety during the procedure. The goal of this study was to evaluate the experience of the patient receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.

This was a prospective study to evaluate the experience of patients before, during and after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. It included the evaluation of pain and fear by a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 (0 = absence of pain/fear).

In total, 139 patients were included in our study, with a mean age of 57.5 ± 10.5 years. The pain assessment scores were higher during these steps of the procedure: insertion of the speculum, insertion of the needle and removal of the pre-cut drape. A feeling of fear was mainly expressed by the group of patients who had received fewer than three IVI.

There is considerable variation in the patient experience during the various stages of the injection procedure and depending on the number of injections received. The use of a screw speculum, application of a cotton swab soaked in anesthetic, and application of the drape adhesive away from the eyebrow could improve the patient's tolerance and experience.