Complications of subspecialty ophthalmic care: endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medications

Abstract

The use of medications directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling has revolutionized the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and many other retinal diseases in the last decade. However, the rapidly increasing use of these agents has led to a rise in treatment-associated complications. One of the most feared by patients and ophthalmologists is post-injection endophthalmitis, which can result in severe vision loss and, in rare cases, loss of the eye. The aim of this article is to review the incidence, clinical findings, risk factors, management, and visual outcomes in cases of endophthalmitis following intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medications.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD); endophthalmitis; intravitreal injection; post-injection complications; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).