Punctum and canalicular anatomy for hydrogel-based intracanalicular insert technology.

Aim: Despite advances in cataract surgery, postoperative ocular inflammation and pain occurs. To address compliance issues with topical corticosteroid administration, a hydrogel-based dexamethasone insert was developed for intracanalicular administration. The objective is to understand the anatomy to best administer the insert and learn how the anatomy and hydrogel properties help retain the insert in the canaliculus over time. Materials & methods: Human cadavers (n = 5) were dissected to assess dimensions of punctum and canaliculus as part of drug discovery and development. Results & conclusions: Mean measures for punctal diameter was 0.5 ± 0 mm and vertical canaliculi length was 2.4 ± 0.5 mm and width was 1.6 ± 0.5 mm. Vertical canalicular width was larger than the punctal opening, a critical understanding for placing and retaining intracanalicular inserts.

Clinical outcomes after injection of a compounded pharmaceutical for prophylaxis after cataract surgery: a large-scale review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate relevant clinical outcomes following a transzonular intravitreal injection of a compounded triamcinolone-moxifloxacin-vancomycin (TMV) formulation for postoperative prophylaxis after cataract surgery in a retrospective review of medical records from a private practice, single-specialty ambulatory center in New Jersey, USA. RECENT FINDINGS: The analysis included 1541 cases from 922 patients who underwent cataract surgery with an intravitreal injection of TMV from November 2013 to December 2014. Cataract surgery was performed by a standard clear corneal phacoemulsification technique. Transzonular injection was used to deliver TMV directly into the anterior vitreous after implantation of an intraocular lens. SUMMARY: There were no major intraoperative complications associated with the transzonular injection technique. There were no cases of postoperative endophthalmitis. Nearly 92% of cases (n = 1413/1541) did not require supplemental medication after surgery. The rate of breakthrough inflammation at Days 14-21 was 9.2% (n = 132/1429). The rate of visually significant postoperative cystoid macular edema was 2.0% (n = 28/1429). The rate of clinically significant postoperative intraocular pressure increase was low: 0.9% (n = 13/1425) of cases had an at least 10 mmHg increase at Days 14-21 or 90. Four of these cases had intraocular pressure at least 30 mmHg. The rates of infection and inflammation reported in this retrospective review of a transzonular injection of TMV for prophylaxis after cataract surgery appear similar to reported rates with alternative prophylactic therapies such as topical drops. The transzonular injection of TMV may have advantages in terms of patient compliance.