Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Novel Protocol for Intracameral Injections to Enhance Precision in Rodent Ophthalmology
Published on: May 31, 2024
Dexamethasone Intracanalicular Insert versus Standard Topical Steroids for the Prophylaxis of Inflammation after
Jeremy N Shapiro1, Stephen T Armenti2, Harry Levine1
1Kellogg Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (J.N.S., H.L., C.T.H., S.I.M.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Purpose:
To compare the efficacy of an intracanalicular dexamethasone intracanalicular insert (DII) to a topical prednisolone acetate 1% taper for preventing breakthrough inflammation (iritis or cystoid macular edema [CME]) during the first postoperative month (POM1) after cataract surgery.
Design:
Retrospective, nonrandomized comparative interventional study.
Methods:
Patients received either DII or topical prednisolone acetate 1% eyedrops (control) during POM1. Exclusion criteria included history of iritis, glaucoma, intraoperative posterior capsular rupture or vitreous prolapse, immediate postoperative anterior chamber inflammation requiring treatment, or less than 1 month follow-up postoperatively. Outcomes included development of breakthrough inflammation after >3 days postoperatively necessitating additional antiinflammatory drops, CME, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) at POM1.
Results:
A total of 266 eyes of 174 patients were included in the DII group and 258 eyes of 167 patients in the control group. Demographics, comorbidities, and baseline IOP were comparable between groups. The breakthrough inflammation rate was significantly higher in the DII group compared to control (9.0% vs 3.1%; P < .01); CME rates were similar between groups (4.9% vs 4.3%; P = .75). There were no cases of increased IOP >10 mm Hg at POM1 compared to baseline in either group.
Conclusions:
After cataract surgery, DII demonstrated a higher rate of breakthrough inflammation than a standard topical steroid regimen with no significant differences in CME rate or IOP increase; however, overall, the rate of postoperative complications was low. DII can be a safe and effective alternative to topical corticosteroid therapy after cataract surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...

