Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
11:03
Subretinal Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived-retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells into a Large-eyed Model of Geographic Atrophy
Published on: January 22, 2018
Retinal toxicity secondary to intraocular gentamicin injection
Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Massive doses of gentamicin injected into the eye can cause severe vision loss. Strict precautions during injection are crucial to prevent gentamicin toxicity and preserve sight.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Gentamicin is an antibiotic commonly used for bacterial infections.
- Intraocular injections carry risks, including toxicity and mechanical damage.
Observation:
- Five cases of severe retinal ischemia following gentamicin administration are detailed.
- Three cases involved massive accidental intravitreal gentamicin injection; two involved presumed gentamicin toxicity.
Findings:
- Clinical signs included retinal hemorrhages, edema, cotton-wool infarcts, and vascular nonperfusion.
- Chronic effects observed were rubeosis irides, neovascular glaucoma, retinal degeneration, and optic atrophy.
- Vision outcomes ranged from no light perception to count fingers/bare light perception.
Implications:
- Inadvertent gentamicin injection can lead to catastrophic visual impairment.
- Precise labeling, timely preparation, and physician observation of injectable solutions are vital.
- Slow intravitreal injections in the anterior vitreous with the needle bevel up are recommended.
