Complications of Intravitreous Injections in Patients with Diabetes

Intravitreous injections are presently the second most frequently performed ophthalmic procedure and the most common vitreoretinal procedure. In diabetic patients, intravitreous injections are frequently performed for the treatment of center-involved diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or other co-existing retinal vascular disease. Diabetic patients may be at higher risk of adverse events compared to non-diabetic individuals, given frequent systemic comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and renal disease and increased susceptibility to infection. This review highlights the potential complications and safety considerations in intravitreous injections in patients with diabetes.