Evaluation of Safety for Bilateral Same-day Intravitreal Injections

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the safety of bilateral same-day intravitreal injections.

Methods: : Retrospective study. A review of files was performed to identify patients who received bilateral intraocular injections at the same day. Main outcome was to identifiy the following complications: endophthalmitis, intraocular inflammation, cataract injection-related, retinal tear, and retinal detachment. All patients underwent intravitreal injection in the operating room. Preparation for the injections included the use of 2 drops of 5% betadinee on the eye and 10% povidone iodine on the eyelid 5 minutes before injection. All the surgical gloves and sterile drapes were exchanged between the injections. Topical four generation quinolone was used QID for seven days after the injections. Patients were instructed to not rub their eyes and avoid swimming for seven days.

Results: : A total of 96 injections were performed in 36 patients. Twenty one patients were male. The average age was 63.5 year-old (range, 46-82 year-old). The main diagnoses were age-related macular degeneration and cystoid macular edema. Sixty-four injections of bevacizumab (dose range: 1.25mg to 2.0 mg) and 32 preservative-free triamcinolone (dose range: 2 mg or 4 mg) were performed. No cases of endophthalmitis, intraocular inflammation, cataract injection-related, retinal tear, and retinal detachment were detected.

Conclusions: : Bilateral same-day intravitreal injection seems to be a secure method of treatment in our general practice with no more risks associated.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications • endophthalmitis • injection