Ophthalmic Line
Product Comparison
Three proven hub technologies, one ophthalmic standard. Here's how VLDS, VHPC and VPRC differ.
VLDS, VHPC and VPRC bring the performance attributes of LDS, HPC and PRC to ophthalmic applications, with additional particulate and endotoxin controls. All three are FDA 510(k) cleared for intravitreal injections.
At a glance
The ophthalmic line at a glance
Quality and design characteristics
The ophthalmic quality controls apply to all three. What separates them is the hub and the cannula wall.
| Compare | Available to order onlineVLDSOphthalmic Low Dead Space |
VHPCOphthalmic Advanced Hub |
VPRCOphthalmic Control Hub |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA 510(k) cleared for intravitreal injections | |||
| USP <789> particulate control | |||
| Bacterial endotoxin control | 0.2 EU/device | 0.2 EU/device | 0.2 EU/device |
| Hard-polymer hub | Extremely hard | ||
| Designed to resist hub flexing | |||
| Helps minimize leakage and needle pop-off | |||
| Low-dead-space hub | — | — | |
| Wall technology | By product code | Extra-thin wall | Thin wall |
Available configurations
All three families share the same gauge and length range. Availability varies by product code and region.
| Compare | VLDSOphthalmic Low Dead Space |
VHPCOphthalmic Advanced Hub |
VPRCOphthalmic Control Hub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge range | 27G – 34G | 27G – 34G | 27G – 34G |
| Length range | 2 – 13 mm | 2 – 13 mm | 2 – 13 mm |
| Wall options | Regular / extra-thin / custom | Thin / extra-thin wall | Thin wall |
VLDS codes available to order
A low dead space hub designed to minimize residual volume. The V prefix identifies the ophthalmic product line.
| Product code | Gauge | Length | Wall |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLDS-02009 | 0.20 | 9 mm | RW |
| VLDS-33009 | 33G | 9 mm | – |
| VLDS-32013 | 32G | 13 mm | – |
| VLDS-32009 | 32G | 9 mm | – |
| VLDS-32004 | 32G | 4 mm | – |
| VLDS-30013E | 30G | 13 mm | ETW |
RW: Regular Wall · ETW: Extra Thin Wall · –: Custom wall
Measured
Performance characteristics
Comparative bench testing, including applicable methods from ISO 7864 and ISO 9626, evaluated STERiJECT needles against competitor needles across four measures.
| Measure | STERiJECT | Competitor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration force (lower is better) | 0.18 N | 0.20 N | 0.014 N lower |
| Needle deflection (lower is better) | 0.15 mm | 0.25 mm | 0.10 mm lower · up to 40% less |
| Extrusion force (lower is better) | 8.5 N | 12.2 N | Less force required for delivery |
| Pop-off resistance (higher is better) | 50 N | 39 N | 11 N greater · up to 28% higher |
Internal testing by TSK International Japan, March 2025, compliant with ISO 7864:2016 and ISO 9626:2016.
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VLDSLow dead space
A standard hub retains 0.042 mL of fluid after injection; the low dead space hub retains 0.005 mL. Less fluid retained means more of the prepared dose is available for delivery, and may allow pharmacies to reduce the excess fill added to compensate.
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VHPCAdvanced flow
Extra-thin-wall technology increases inner diameter while maintaining the selected gauge — a 60% larger internal diameter at the same outer diameter — helping optimize flow and make viscous injections easier and more comfortable.
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VPRCRigid hub performance
Combines thin-wall technology with an extremely hard polymer hub designed to resist flexing under higher injection pressure, helping support improved flow and minimize leakage and needle pop-off.
Differentiation
How the hub technologies differ
All three share the same gauge and length range and the same ophthalmic quality controls, so the choice comes down to the hub. VLDS leads with dose, holding back less of what was drawn up. VHPC leads with flow, opening up the internal diameter without changing the gauge the patient feels. VPRC leads with rigidity, for higher-pressure and higher-viscosity injections.
The hub only tells part of the story, though. How the needle actually performs (flow, injection force) comes from the whole system: your formulation's viscosity, the cannula's wall and internal diameter, and the syringe it's paired with.
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YamaneVLDS-30013E
The same 30G × 13 mm extra-thin wall design trusted in the Yamane technique, now available with ophthalmic quality.
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SAFER-ROPVLDS-32004
The 32G × 4 mm needle referenced in the SAFER-ROP protocol for retinopathy of prematurity, now available with ophthalmic quality.
Next step
Explore the STERiJECT product range
Review product details and available configurations in the TSK International online shop.