Effects of Topical 0.4% Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride on Image Quality of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Author: Racem Choura (Tunisia)

Co-authors: Rahma Saidane, Asma Khallouli, Dhouha Gouider, Ines Fendouli, Afef Maalej, Riadh Rannen

Purpose

To compare the image quality of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) with and without applying 0.4% oxybuprocaine hydrochloride-based topical anaesthesia.

Setting/Venue

A 6-month evaluative randomized contralateral eye study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology of the Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunisia.

Methods

We conducted a 6-month evaluative randomized contralateral eye study in which patients act as their own controls. All included patients were healthy and ophthalmic examination was unremarkable apart from minimal refractive errors (spherical equivalent between -3.00 and +3.00 Dioptres). OCT-A was performed in both eyes. In the left eye of all cases, 0.4% oxybuprocaine hydrochloride eye drops were applied. In order to adjust the patient’s learning effect, half of the cases had undergone OCT-A first on left eye after oxybuprocaine drops, and others first the right eye without any prior intervention. OCT-A macular scans (6×6 mm) were performed using the RTVue-XR Avanti AngioVue, with eye-tracking technology. The number of artifacts and signal strength index of the images were recorded. Furthermore, pain and discomfort based on Visual Analog Scales were assessed in all patients comparing between their right and left eye imaging experience.

Results

A total of 84 eyes of 42 patients were included in this study (20 males and 22 females). The mean age was 36.12 ± 10.64 years. Signal strength index was better in eyes with topical anaesthesia than in those without (p=0.019). The mean number of artifacts did not show significant difference between eyes with and without oxybuprocaine drops (p=0.21). Overall discomfort experience based on Visual Analog Scales was less in the anesthetized eye (p=0.029).

Conlusions

Topical anaesthesia using 0.4% Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride before Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography may enhance the image quality and improve the overall patient’s experience.

Financial Disclosure

The authors declare no conflict of interest.