Long-term data shows visual benefits of repeated intravitreal dexamethasone implant

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX) in patients treated for retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic macular edema (DME) or uveitis provides significant anatomic benefits over a 10 year follow-up period, according to a study.

In this retrospective chart review, baseline data on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography, intraocular pressure, and cataract status were collected from the initial DEX and post-treatment data from the visit ≥4 weeks after the last DEX. Data from 315 eyes receiving 1216 DEX were included.

Patients with RVO, central RVO, and DME had significant improvements in BCVA (P < 0.05); Patients with uveitis did not have a significant change in BCVA, but younger patients, vitrectomized eyes, and eyes without a history of glaucoma were associated with significantly better BCVA outcomes in this group.

For all groups, there was a significant decrease in CMT from 376.6± 6.8 to 322.7± 5.0 μm (P < 0.05). Intraocular pressure increased significantly, and patients requiring anti-glaucoma medications increased from 33.0% to 67.6%.

Approximately 59% of phakic eyes had cataract progression or underwent surgery. Significant improvement in BCVA was noted in these patients after surgery.

Reference

Wallsh J, Luths C, Kil H, et al. Initial Ten years of experience with the intravitreal dexamethasone implant: A retrospective chart review. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:3097-3108.