Issues with Intravitreal Administration of Anti-VEGF Drugs

Abstract

Purpose: To provide an update of summary of risk factors and side effects of long-term use and contamination of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.

Methods: We reviewed relevant publications of the topic of contamination of anti-VEGF injections and long-term side effects due to this reason.

Results: Due to the long-term use of anti-VEGF drugs and the higher number of injections worldwide, various studies have shown side effects in recent years, ranging from increased intraocular pressure to visual disturbing silicone oil vesicles in the vitreous cavity. Several studies have demonstrated that both the drug and the processing, storage, environmental factors and the material and design of the syringes have a decisive influence on these side effects.

Conclusion: The risks of deposits from syringes in the eye can be significantly reduced by various optimizations in transport, storage and syringe and cannula selection.

Keywords: contamination; intraocular pressure; macular diseases; protein particles; silicone oil; syringes.