[Standardization the process of intravitreal injection to prevent the risk of endophthalmitis]

Millions of intravitreal injections were performed for the patients with neovascular eye diseases each year. The intravitreal injection has become a routine medical procedure in daily practice of ophthalmologist. Although the risk of post-injection endophthalmitis is low, the prevalence is increasing as more patients received injections. Once occurred, endophthalmitis can lead to irreversible vision loss. To reduce the potential rising risk of post-injection endophthalmitis, establishing guidelines for intravitreal injection is urgent. We reviewed the clinical research evidences on the causes and characters of post-injection endophthalmitis as well as the preventive actions. A standard operation pattern on intravitreal injection is also introduced.