The efficacy of dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex 700 μg) in refractory diabetic macular oedema

Abstract

AbstractPurpose The efficacy of dexamethasone implant in refractory diabetic macular oedema (DMO).Methods 24 eyes of 22 patients having single dexamethasone implant for refractory DMO were included in the study. Patients with another retinal disease causing macular oedema were excluded. The patient data was collected and analyzed retrospectively. As a demographic data, age, gender and the type of diabetes and duration of DMO were collected. Morphology of the retina and changes in foveal thickness were analyzed with Heidelberg SD‐OCT. Furthermore improvement in the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and changes in the intraocular pressure (IOP) were observed.Results The mean age of patients was 65,6 (±10,6) years. 36,4% were female and 63,6% were male. 22,7% had type 1 (DM1) and 77,3% had type 2 diabetes (DM2). The mean duration of DMO was 26,1 (±23,8) months. 90,9% of the eyes had had previous argon laser treatment to macula and/or periphery. Panphotocoagulation was made in 29,2% of the eyes, 87,5% of the eyes were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (4,3 ±3,0 injections) and 37,5% were treated with triamcinolone before. The mean BCVA at baseline was 0,34 (±0,17) in Snellen. Best improvement in visual acuity was seen 120,5 (±78,8) days after dexamethasone implant. Best achieved VA was 0,53 (±0,19). Baseline foveal thickness was 413,4 (±120,2) μm and at the point of best achieved VA 333,5 (±46,5) μm. Vitrectomy was performed in 20,8% before. 45,8% of the eyes were phakic and cataract developed in 72,7% of these eyes. The highest increase in IOP was 4,9 (±6,5) mmHg. 8,3% of the eyes needed IOP lowering medication.Conclusion We suggest that dexamethasone implant is a useful treatment in DMO even in relatively poor eyes. Commercial interest