A Research Study to Evaluate the Effects of Repeated Intravitreal Injections on Bacteria Around the Eye

Bacterial Resistance and Alterations in Conjunctival Flora Following Serial Intravitreal Injections

This is a research study to evaluate the effects of repeated intravitreal injections on bacteria around the eye.

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether conjunctival bacterial flora are altered and/or demonstrate increasing antibiotic resistance after serial intravitreal injections when a prophylactic topical antibiotic is used pre- and post-injection compared to when they are not used.

Inclusion Criteria: Subjects will be eligible if the following criteria are met:

• Ability to provide written informed consent and comply with study assessments for the full duration of the study.
• Have been diagnosed with neovascular AMD, CRVO or BRVO.
• Have been determined by the investigator to require intravitreal injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab.

Exclusion Criteria: Subjects meeting any of the following criteria are ineligible for study entry:

• Prior intraocular injection in either eye.
• Chronic use of opthalmic medication.
• Contact lens wear.
• Ocular surgery within the past 6 months.
• Use of ophthalmic medications in either eye or ocular infection within the past 6 months.
• Use of systemic antibiotics within 6 months.
• Known allergy or contraindication to povidone iodine or fluoroquinolones.