A simple technique for subretinal injections in monkeys

    WANG Changª²Guan1, ZHANG Kun1, MA Zhiª²Zhong2, LIU Tieª²Cheng1

    1Department of Ophthalmology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China, 2Center of Ophthalmology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University, Beijing 100083, China

    ¡¾Abstract¡¿ AIM: To investigate a simple and effective system to deliver drugs into the subretinal space. METHODS: A glass micropipette system was used to perform subretinal injections in 30 eyes of 30 rhesus monkeys, among which 15 eyes received laser photocoagulations around the macula. RESULTS: The subretinal injection was achieved in 29 eyes with single retinal puncture. Only one eye needed a second injection as the balanced salt solution was injected between the cortex of vitreous and the retina in the first injection. Two foveae of the photocoagulated retinas ruptured during the process of injection. No significant retinal hemorrhage or damage to the choroid was observed. During the followª²up of 3 to 42 days, no retinal detachment was observed. CONCLUSION: Our glass micropipette system proves to be an effective and simple device for controlled subretinal injections. ......