Intravitreal injections during anticoagulant treatment

Abstract

Background: The number of intravitreal injections has increased steadily over the past few years. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety of intravitreal injections in patients under concurrent oral anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Patients and Methods: 57 patients who underwent consecutively 80 intravitreal injections of Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab or triamcinolone were included in the study. The majority of the patients was treated with Ranibizumab and received antiplatelet therapy. Post-injection intra- or extraocular haemorrhages were documented. Results: Small subconjunctival haemorrhages were noted in 45% of the eyes. No patient experienced a subtotal subconjunctival or vitreous haemorrhage. There was no difference between patients who received oral anticoagulation and those with antiplatelet therapy, Conclusion: This study suggests that intravitreal injections can be performed without cessation of oral anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy.