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Intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) in patients with chronic uveitis
Author(s) -
THURAU SR,
GRüTERICH M,
REZNICEK L,
KAMPIK A
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.3454.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dexamethasone , visual acuity , implant , macular edema , contraindication , ophthalmology , intraocular pressure , uveitis , retinal detachment , retinal , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology
Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) in eyes with chronic uveitis with or without cystoid macular edema. Methods A consecutive series of 20 eyes from 18 patients, mean age 49 +/‐21 years, with chronic uveitis (>3 years), 13 eyes with and 7 eyes without cystoid macular edema (CME), was included. Visual acuity, foveal retinal thickness, a full ophthalmological examination and immunosuppressive medication were obtained before injection and over the course (54 days +/‐41 days) after injection. Results In all eyes dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) could be implanted successfully. Mean visual acuity (LogMAR) increased from 0.82 to 0.65 after an average of 35 days. CME disappeard in 8 of 13 eyes after 35 days (median) and was reduced in 5 eyes. Immunosuppressive medication could be reduced in 9 of 11 patients, 2 patients continued their medication because of their second uveitic eyes. The main intraoperative complications were one subconjuctival substance‐release before scleral penetration, a postoperative increase of intraocular pressure in 5 of 20 eyes, which could be controlled with topical therapy, one retinal detachment and one dislocation of the device into the anterior chamber in an aphacic and vitrecomized eye. First loss of efficacy was observed 3‐4 months after injection. Conclusion Dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) can improve visual acuity and reduce CME and concomitant immunosuppressive medication in patients with chronic uveitis. The observed efficacy lasts for at least 3 months, we suggest a contraindication for aphacic eyes.