Real-World Trends in Intravitreal Injection Practices among American Retina Specialists

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze practice patterns used for intravitreal injections (IVIs) by retinal specialists in the United States.

Design: Cross-sectional online survey.

Participants: Retina specialists in the United States who responded to a web-based survey.

Methods: Retinal specialists in the United States were contacted via e-mail to complete a web-based, anonymous, 24-question survey. Multivariate analysis was performed on a selected question of interest focused on choice of anesthetic used for IVI.

Main outcome measures: Differences in IVI practices, such as antibiotic preferences, and different odds of anesthetic use by demographic variables with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: A total of 281 retinal specialists responded to the survey (17% response rate). Respondents' average age was 53 years, with an average of 20 years in practice. Respondents practiced in 42 states, with 90% practicing in an urban or suburban area. For anesthesia, 14% used a topical anesthetic with cotton swab compression, 27% used a subconjunctival anesthetic, and 31% used an anesthetic gel. Age, gender, geographic location, and practice setting did not seem to impact choice of anesthetic for IVI significantly. Sixty-six percent of respondents always use a lid speculum, 21% administer topical antibiotics before injection, 36% wear a mask, 73% wear gloves, and 45% always dilate the eyes before injection. Most respondents use a 30-gauge needle and inject in the inferior temporal quadrant (70%). Forty-five percent always perform bilateral injections the same day if indicated. After the injection, 14% administer post operative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 28% administer postoperative antibiotics, and 31% routinely check intraocular pressure after injection.

Conclusions: This study provided real-world trends in practices for IVI among retina specialists in the United States. In addition, age, gender, practice type, and geographic location did not influence anesthetic choice for IVI.