The Influence of Universal Face Mask Use on Endophthalmitis Risk after Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Routine use of face masks for patients and physicians during intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections has increased with the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study evaluates the impact of universal face mask use on rates and outcomes of post-injection endophthalmitis (PIE).

Design

Retrospective, multicenter, comparative cohort study.

Participants

Eyes receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections from October 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020, at 12 centers.

Methods

Cases were divided into a "no face mask" group if no face masks were worn by the physician or patient during intravitreal injections or a "universal face mask" group if face masks were worn by the physician, ancillary staff, and patient during intr

SUBMITTER: Writing committee for the Post-Injection Endophthalmitis Study Group 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8130590 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature