Complications of Intravitreous Injections in Patients with Diabetes

Semin Ophthalmol. 2018;33(1):42-50. doi: 10.1080/08820538.2017.1353811.

Abstract

Intravitreous injections are presently the second most frequently performed ophthalmic procedure and the most common vitreoretinal procedure. In diabetic patients, intravitreous injections are frequently performed for the treatment of center-involved diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or other co-existing retinal vascular disease. Diabetic patients may be at higher risk of adverse events compared to non-diabetic individuals, given frequent systemic comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and renal disease and increased susceptibility to infection. This review highlights the potential complications and safety considerations in intravitreous injections in patients with diabetes.

Keywords: Anti-VEGF; diabetic macular edema; diabetic retinopathy; intravitreal injections; intravitreous injections; steroid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / complications
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections / adverse effects
  • Macular Edema / drug therapy*
  • Macular Edema / etiology

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors