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Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Injection

  • Ocular Microbiology and Immunology (B Jeng and L Schocket, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Ophthalmology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

While rare, endophthalmitis is the most devastating complication of intravitreal injections. Numerous strategies have been suggested to reduce infection risk. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature and evidence supporting prophylactic strategies to prevent endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection.

Recent Findings

Traditionally, topical povidone-iodine along with prophylactic antibiotics has been the most widely accepted technique to prevent infection. However, evidence has shown that topical prophylactic antibiotics do not prevent endophthalmitis and in fact may be harmful as they increase bacterial resistance. Additional strategies, including avoidance of oral flora, lid retraction, and use of other antiseptics such as topical aqueous chlorhexidine, have also been shown to decrease the risk of infection.

Summary

Topical povidone-iodine and avoidance of contamination with oral flora remain the cornerstone of endophthalmitis prevention following intravitreal injection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Philip P. Storey & Sunir Garg

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  1. Philip P. Storey
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  2. Sunir Garg
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Correspondence to Sunir Garg.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Ocular Microbiology and Immunology

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Storey, P.P., Garg, S. Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Injection. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 6, 145–151 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-018-0176-1

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