Speculum for Intravitreal Injections
Intravitreal injection is a commonly used ophthalmic procedure in which therapeutic agents are injected into the vitreous cavity of the eye. For example drugs, such as Lucentis, that are used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration are injected intravitreously.
Innovation
The position of the injection of intravitreous therapeutic agents is extremely important. The injection is always given through the pars plana, 3.5 to 4.0 mm from the limbus of the eye. Currently the eyelids are prised apart using a speculum, and a separate device is required to measure the position of the injection site. This innovation is a single device that combines the functions of a speculum, eyelash guard and injection guide, and may also contain an anaesthetic sponge.
Key Advantages
• A single device which acts as a speculum and eyelash guard and also provides an injection site
guide, replacing current Intravitreal injection packs.
• The use of a single device should speed up the procedure, and make it more comfortable for the
patient.
• The device may have a sponge attached which could be soaked with an anaesthetic/antibacterial
solution.
Market Size
It is estimated that over 300,000 intravitreal injections are performed annually in the UK alone.
Worldwide, around 500,000 new cases of wet AMD are diagnosed each year, and treatment is usually a
course of 10 or more injections.
Further Information
Health Enterprise East is seeking a commercial partner to develop this technology, which has patents
pending in multiple territories.
For more information email
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or call: 44 (0)1480 364925