Abstract
Purpose: :
To report clinical and epidemiological findings of 11 cases with intraocular inflammation following intravitreal injection.
Methods: :
The clinical data of all patients (3357) who underwent intravitreal injection between February 2007 and February 2008 were analysed. All cases with postoperative intraocular inflammatory reaction were recorded.
Results: :
During the period of examination, eleven cases of intraocular inflammation after intravitreal injection were identified. Of these only one case was an infectious endophthalmitis with retinal abscess. All other cases were toxic vitritis (ToVi) and toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) like reaction. Seven eyes exhibited hypoypon and five disseminated retinal hemorrhages. The toxic reaction occurred within 48 hours after injection, while in the case of endophthalmitis after 72 hours. We identified the source of syringe used to be presumed as causative. After changing to another source of syringe no further case of ToVi occurred during the following half year (2298 Injections).
Conclusions: :
ToVi and TASS like reaction are not only complications of cataract surgery, but may also occur after intravitreal injection. Only a critical review of all processes involved and materials used would help to avoid further cases of ToVi.
Keywords: inflammation • injection • ocular irritants