Using Loteprednol to Reduce Pain After Eye Injections

The Role of Loteprednol in Reducing Post-Intravitreal Injection Related Pain

NA · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · NCT05542381

This study is testing if using loteprednol eye drops can help reduce pain after eye injections for people with age-related macular degeneration.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (other)
Locations1 site (Roanoke, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05542381 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of loteprednol, a corticosteroid, in reducing pain following intravitreal injections for patients with age-related macular degeneration. Participants who are already receiving these injections will be randomly assigned to receive either loteprednol drops or artificial tears after their injection. Pain levels will be assessed through follow-up phone calls at 2 hours, 1 day, and 1 week post-injection. The goal is to quantify pain reduction and improve patient care after these procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with age-related macular degeneration who are scheduled to receive intravitreal injections.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing chronic pain disorders or those who cannot communicate their pain levels may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new method for managing pain after intravitreal injections, enhancing patient comfort and quality of care.

How similar studies have performed: While corticosteroids like loteprednol are commonly used in ophthalmology, this specific application for pain management after intravitreal injections is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients must have age-related macular degeneration and be undergoing intravitreal injections for treatment as defined by a retina specialist.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dementia
* Report baseline eye pain
* Use topical NSAIDs or steroids
* Patient under 18 years old
* History of corticosteroid responsive elevation in intraocular pressure
* Allergy to Loteprednol or Nepafenac
* Pre-existing chronic pain disorders
* Advanced Glaucoma
* Herpes zoster
* Allergy to local anesthetic or penicillin
* Patients unable to consent on own behalf
* Patients unable to communicate pain
* Pregnancy
* Incarceration

Where this trial is running

Roanoke, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Loteprednol, Loteprednol Etabonate Ophthalmic Suspension, Immunosuppressive Agents, Glucocorticoids, Immunologic Factors, Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action, Eye Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.