A case of accidental into-the-lens dexamethasone implant: watching or removing?

To report a case of cataract surgery in unintentional Ozurdex (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California, USA) injection into the lens.

A 82-years old man reporting decreased visual acuity in his right eye came to our Ophthalmology service. Due to the clinical history, and on the basis of ophthalmoscopic and imaging examinations diabetic macular edema was diagnosed. Thus, intravitreal dexamethasone implant was scheduled and therefore performed. The following day Ozurdex appeared to be located into the lens. After careful evaluation and strict follow up examinations, due to the risks associated with the presence of the implant into the lens, phacoemulsification with Ozurdex removal and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was scheduled and performed.

In this case report we reported the surgical management of accidental into-the lens dexamethasone implant carefully taking into account the dexamethasone pharmacokinetic.