INCIDENCE OF ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF ANTIVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR MEDICATIONS USING TOPICAL LIDOCAINE GEL ANESTHESIA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of infectious endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor medications using 2% topical lidocaine gel anesthesia. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 4690 consecutive intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor medications using 2% topical lidocaine gel anesthesia. All patients had at least 6 weeks of follow-up. Results: A total of 608 patients underwent intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor medications during the study period. There were 428 injections of pegaptanib sodium, 1841 injections of bevacizumab, and 2421 injections of ranibizumab. There were no cases of infectious endophthalmitis. The per-injection infection rate was 0.0% (95% confidence interval, 0.0-0.06%). Conclusion: The incidence of infectious endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor medications using 2% topical lidocaine gel anesthesia is low. RETINA 31: 669-672, 2011