Meta-analysis: Endophthalmitis after anti-VEGF injection linked to upper respiratory tract organisms

Endophthalmitis after anti-VEGF injections is rare, with rates reported as low as 0.019 percent to 0.54 percent. However, little is known about the spectrum of causative organisms implicated in post anti-VEGF endophthalmitis.

To investigate the spectrum of causative organisms and compare them to those implicated in acute postoperative endophthalmitis after penetrating ocular procedures, the authors conducted a meta-analysis of U.S. literature published from 2005 to 2009.

They found that Streptococcal isolates were about three times more frequent after anti-VEGF injection than after intraocular surgery. Streptococcus species comprise at least 41 percent of culturable adult salivary flora and are thought to contaminate operative fields by aerosolization or droplet spread.

To prevent infection, the authors suggest wearing surgical masks when performing injections or avoiding talking, coughing, and sneezing during injections, especially if you have a cold.