PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF A SUSTAINED-RELEASE DEXAMETHASONE INTRAVITREAL IMPLANT FOR CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA IN...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cystoid macular edema (CME) can persist in uveitis patients even when inflammation is controlled.
• Persistent CME negatively impacts visual function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX implant) for treating CME in patients with quiescent uveitis.

Main Methods:

• A prospective interventional case series of 10 patients with uveitic CME and quiescent uveitis.
• Patients received DEX implant at baseline and were monitored monthly for one year.
• Retreatment was administered as needed for recurrent CME; best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield retinal thickness (CSRT) were primary outcomes.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in BCVA (14.4 letters) and reduction in CSRT (140 μm) by day 90 (P < 0.008).
• Improvements were sustained through day 360 with retreatment, showing mean BCVA gain of 16.5 letters and CSRT reduction of 158 μm (P < 0.006).
• One patient had elevated intraocular pressure; 25% of phakic patients experienced worsening lens opacity.

Conclusions:

• DEX implant appears to be an effective treatment for persistent CME in quiescent uveitis.
• The treatment offers sustained visual and anatomical improvements.
• Potential side effects include transient IOP elevation and cataract progression.