Perioperative nursing care in the intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent

Abstract

Objective To study the nursing problems and strategies during the course of intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent.Methods We identified the nursing responsibilities involved in different stages of the intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agent.Totally 218 cases (305 eyes) of fundus disease with intraocular neovascularization or macular exudation received intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agent in our department from April to September,2012.Side effects of intravitreal injections were observed.Medication compliance and return visit rate were analyzed.Results Collective health education and communication with patients,information checking,medicine management,sterile techniques and intensive observation of potential risks and complications during the perioperative period of intravitreal injections were well performed.The return visit rate was 97.4％.We obtained well re-injection compliance of patients that 257 eyes (84.3％) completed 3 to 5 injection.Short-term intraocular pressure changes immediately but transiently after intravitreal injections were observed.There were no case of endophthalmitis,retinal detachment,corneal edema,traumatic cataract or vitreous hemorrhage during the follow-up period.Conclusion Good perioperative nursing care in the intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agent can help to increase patient compliance,reduce risks and improve patient outcomes. Key words: Care, nursing; Period, perioperative ; Injection, intravitreal ; Agent, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor