NASHVILLE, Tennessee, August 20, 2026
Harrow, Inc. announced positive results from a prospective, randomized contralateral-eye study evaluating IHEEZO® (chloroprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) 3% in patients undergoing same-day bilateral intravitreal injections. The investigator-initiated study found that patients reported approximately 58% less ocular discomfort in the IHEEZO-treated eye compared with the fellow eye treated with proparacaine ophthalmic solution 0.5%. The difference was statistically significant at all four post-injection assessments, with the strongest numerical separation observed during the immediate post-injection period, when discomfort was highest. The findings provide new clinical evidence supporting IHEEZO’s potential to improve the patient experience associated with repeated intravitreal injections, an important consideration for retina practices treating patients over extended periods.
IHEEZO Shows Consistent Reduction in Patient Discomfort
The study evaluated 100 eyes from 50 adult patients receiving same-day bilateral intravitreal injections. Each patient received IHEEZO in one randomly assigned eye and preservative-containing proparacaine in the fellow eye, allowing patients to serve as their own controls. Patient-reported discomfort was measured using a 0-to-10 numeric rating scale at two minutes, one hour, six to 12 hours, and 24 hours after injection. IHEEZO demonstrated lower discomfort scores at every measured time point, with the largest absolute differences occurring soon after the procedure. At two minutes, mean discomfort was 1.44 with IHEEZO versus 3.06 with proparacaine, representing an absolute difference of 1.62 points. At one hour, the corresponding scores were 1.26 versus 2.82, a difference of 1.56 points. Lower discomfort with IHEEZO remained evident through the 24-hour assessment, while all four comparisons reached statistical significance with p-values of 0.048 or lower.
Harrow Highlights Patient Comfort in Repeated Eye Procedures
The findings are particularly relevant to ophthalmology practices because intravitreal injections are performed repeatedly in patients receiving long-term treatment for retinal diseases. For these patients, the experience surrounding each injection can become an important part of ongoing care. Harrow said the study provides evidence of a measurable improvement in patient-reported comfort following intravitreal injections and may support broader consideration of IHEEZO among retina specialists. The direct within-patient comparison also reduces variability between patients, strengthening the relevance of the observed difference in discomfort. IHEEZO is indicated for ocular surface anesthesia and is administered by healthcare professionals. Harrow continues to position the product as part of its ophthalmic disease-management portfolio covering conditions affecting both the front and back of the eye.
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IHEEZO Data Support Ophthalmic Anesthesia Development
The new study adds clinical evidence to the profile of IHEEZO 3%, an ester anesthetic formulated for ocular surface anesthesia. The company is highlighting the results in the context of improving the overall treatment experience for patients who undergo frequent retinal procedures. While the study specifically evaluated patient-reported discomfort rather than long-term clinical outcomes, the consistent reduction across all four assessment points provides a relevant signal for the product’s use around intravitreal injections. IHEEZO is not intended for injection or intraocular administration and is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to its components. Harrow’s latest announcement therefore centers on a practical aspect of ophthalmic care: reducing procedure-related discomfort during a commonly repeated retinal treatment experience.
Source: Harrow, press relese
