International Review of Ophthalmology ›› 2013, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (5): 345-349.doi: 10.3706/ cma.j.issn.1673-5803.2013.05.012

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Risk factors and prevention of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection

 LI  Yi-Feng, WEI  Wen-Bin   

  1. Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Bejing 100730, China
  • Received:2013-05-16 Online:2013-10-22 Published:2013-10-23
  • Contact: WEI Wen-bin, Email: weiwenbintr@163.com

Abstract: Intravitreal injections have been developed and applied rapidly in recent years, especially the intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which has become one of the most common treatments in ophthalmology.  This underscores the need that the complications of such treatment ought to merit full attention.  Endophthalmitis is the most serious complication of intravitreal injections.  Studies showed that the occurrence rate for endophthalmitis after the injection of VEGF is in the range of 0.02%~0.09%, with risk factors involving those before the injection, such as active external ocular infection, pressing of the eyelid, thick needles, glaucoma, diabetes and other systemic diseases; those during the injection, such as droplet transmission and flawed aseptic technique; and those after the injection, such as multiinjections.  The effects of antibiotic treatments during perioperative period are not yet clear.   (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2013, 37: 345-349)