SAFETY OF INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the method of intavitreal injections and its technique used for intravitreal injection procedure as well as possible intra- and post-injection complications and approaches used for their prevention. Material and methods. The article reports own clinical practice experience and comprehensive review of Russian and foreign trials assessing intravitreal injection technique and possible intra- and postinjection complications. Results. The intravitreal injection technique is simple to perform in clinical practice. Rate of injection associated complications is low and generally is related to accidental violations of the injection procedure technique. Complications are mostly associated with the use of drugs not licensed for intravitreal injection and/or aseptic condition violation. Rational antibiotic use during intravitreal injection procedure implies adequate evaluation of topical antibiotic requirement. Conclusions. An extensive literature search supposes that local asepsis, but not use of topical antibiotics is essential for prophylaxis of injection-associated complication.

Keywords

• intravitreal injection (ivi)
• anti-vegf drugs
• intra- and postinjection complications
• asepsis
• antisepsis
• antibiotics
• endophthalmitis
• post-injection hypertension