Clinical Ophthalmology (Nov 2020)
Survey of Intravitreal Injection Techniques Among Retina Specialists in Mexico
Abstract
Andree Henaine-Berra,1 Vanesa Flores-Peredo,2 Gabriela Lopezcarasa-Hernandez,3 Maria Ana Martinez-Castellanos,4 Ximena Mira-Lorenzo,5 Adriana Solis-Vivanco,6 Gerardo Garcia-Aguirre7 On behalf of Mexican Retina Association1Hospital San Angel Inn Universidad, Mexico City, Mexico; 2Retina Department, Hospital Regional “Lic. Adolfo Lopez Mateos” ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico; 3Hospital Angeles Lomas, Mexico City, Mexico; 4Retina Department, Asociacion Para Evitar La Ceguera En Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; 5Centro Oftalmologico Arcos, Queretaro, Mexico; 6Retina Department, Instituto Nacional De Rehabilitacion, Mexico City, Mexico; 7School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico De Monterrey, Mexico City, MexicoCorrespondence: Andree Henaine-BerraHospital San Angel Inn Universidad, Av. Rio Churubusco #601 Suite 928, Xoco, Benito Juarez, Mexico City 03330, MexicoTel +52 55 6818-0116Email [email protected]: To report technique preferences for intravitreal injections among retina specialists in Mexico.Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Ophthalmologists with a two-year retina training, active members of the Mexican Retina Association, were contacted through email to answer a survey consisting of 37 items regarding their IVI application technique.Results: A total of 133 retina specialists participated, with a response rate of 78%. Forty-five percent applied the intravitreal injections in an operating room designated for the procedure. Sixty-three percent reported never injecting both eyes on the same day. Ninety-six percent wore a face mask during the procedure and 91% wore gloves. Eighty-two percent used a lid speculum. Tetracaine drops were the anesthetic method employed by 97% of participants. All participants utilized povidone-iodine for antisepsis. Eighty percent measured the puncture site with a caliper. Superotemporal quadrant was the one chosen to place the injection by 63% of participants. Fifty-nine percent indicated post-injection antibiotic drops for several days. Post-injection counting fingers visual acuity was verified by 53% of the participants. Fifty-six percent of the participants placed an eye-patch after the procedure.Conclusion: There are different practices regarding the application of intravitreal injections among retina specialists in Mexico. Performing this type of survey periodically could show changes in preferences, as new evidence is incorporated into clinical practice.Keywords: intravitreal injections, retinal diseases, anti-VEGF agents, topical antibiotics
