Patient perceptions of discomfort and changes in vision and functional status associated with intravitreal triamcinolone injection.

Abstract

To assess patient perceptions concerning discomfort and changes in vision associated with intravitreal triamcinolone injections (IVTA). Prospective consecutive case series. Fifty patients treated with IVTA between June 2003 and February 2005 were interviewed by telephone 10 to 12 weeks after injection. Each question was answered on a 1 to 5 scale. There was no significant difference in reported amount of ocular discomfort pre-injection vs post-injection (1.0 vs 1.1, respectively). Expected pain level (2.9) was higher than the actual pain level (1.6; P < .001). Patients' self-reported vision improved from 2.7 to 3.7 (P < .001). Thirty (60%) patients reported improved vision and 20 (40%) reported no change. Thirty-three (66%) patients reported more visual improvement than expected. Patient expectation of discomfort during IVTA was greater than their actual experience; approximately two-thirds of patients reported improved vision and about one-third reported improved functional status after injection.