Preventing Intraocular Infections after Intravitreal Injections: Injection Technique

Abstract

Intravitreal injections (IVIs) are the mainstay of current retinal medical therapy and are used to treat common retinal conditions like age-related macular degeneration and macular edema. Advantages of IVIs are their ability to maximize intraocular levels of medications and to avoid the toxicities associated with systemic treatment. They can be used to deliver anti-microbials, anti-inflammatory agents, anticancer agents, intraocular air, surgical gases, antivascular endothelial growth factor agents, and other pharmaceuticals. Serious adverse effects of IVIs include endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, ocular hypertension, and cataract formation. However, there is no consensus on the ideal protocol for administering IVIs. The rate of endophthalmitis after IVIs has been reported to be 0.2%. Here, recommended steps are suggested to aid in the prevention of intraocular infection after IVIs.