To study the effect of intravitreal ozurdex implant in cases of retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Introduction: Retinal vein obstruction is one of the leading causes of severe vision impairment and blindness with treatment options mainly including laser, vascular endothelial growth factors, and steroids. This study investigates an intravitreal dexamethasone implant (ozurdex), its efficacy, and complications in patients of retinal venous occlusion. Methods: A prospective, interventional study involving 30 patients with retinal venous occlusion. Patients diagnosed with RVO who had vision loss of at least two lines on Snellen's chart and increased central macular thickness (CMT) on OCT were included in the study. All the parameters such as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CMT, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were noted at baseline for the affected eye. The patients were followed up at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months following the implant. Result: Baseline parameters were comparable between the groups. Eyes receiving the implant had a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in BCVA on the Snellen chart over the 3 months. There was also a constant decrease in macular edema and the mean difference value of CMT between baseline and 1 month, 2 months, and 3months were also found to be statistically significant. Also, a comparison of IOP between two-time points was done, between baseline and 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and the mean difference value in IOP was also found to be significant but clinically well within the normal physiological range. Conclusion: The study concluded that an intravitreal dexamethasone implant is an effective treatment for retinal venous occlusion, and it has a statistically significant and clinically meaningful effect on BCVA and CMT. However, it may be associated with a significant rise in IOP but it is well within the physiological range.