Incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments after intravitreal antivascular endothelial factor injections

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RD) after intravitreal injection in six high-volume centres.

Methods: A consecutive, interventional, multicenter case series measured the incidence of RD in patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF. A total of 35 942 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (the number of the injections determined by review of injection log books over a 3 year period) were performed under sterile conditions with the patient in a supine position. Injections were given 3.5-4.0 mm behind the limbus in a tunnelled fashion.

Results: During 36 consecutive months, five RD were reported, between 2 and 6 days after the injection. Of the affected eyes, four were myopic -1.75 to -5.5 dpt. The incidence rate of rhegmatogenous RD was 0.013% (5/35 942) per injection.

Conclusions: The incidence of RD in our community setting was very low (1 per 7188 injections). All RD occurred during the early postoperative period. The risks of RD can be minimized by a careful injection technique.