Antiplatelet agents reduce risk of postoperative IOL bleeding

The use of antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, are safer to use compared to anticoagulation (warfarin) therapy, according to the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

Dr Jaeryung Oh et al., Department of Ophthalmology, Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, conducted an observational, retrospective case control study on 822 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery in 1994, 2004 and 2008.

The outcome measures included the proportion using antiplatelets or anticoagulants, the occurrence of early postoperative intraocular bleeding in patients, and clinical outcomes of the haemorrhage.

The findings demonstrated that the rate of anticoagulant therapy didn't vary and lowers the risk of intraocular haemorrhage after vitrectomy.