Effect of Extended Release Steroid Implants on the Contralateral Eye.

PURPOSE: To investigate the contralateral effect of extended release steroid implants on cystoid macular edema (CME). METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with bilateral CME receiving intravitreal injections of long-acting intravitreal corticosteroid implants in one eye. Changes in CME and central subfield thickness (CST) in the contralateral eye on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were compared to an untreated control group. The main outcome measures were the change in central subfield thickness (CST) and the change in the macular volume. RESULTS: Thirteen study patients and 14 controls were included in the study. There was no difference in the baseline LogMAR visual acuity (0.32 ± 0.35 vs 0.43 ± 0.26, p = 0.37) or the baseline central subfield thickness (341.4 ± 76.6 vs 296.5 ± 65.0 µm, p = 0.12) between groups. In the treatment group CST remained stable in 92.3% of the patients. Of the controls, CST worsened in 21.4% and remained stable in 78.6%. The mean change in CST (6.3 ± 30.3 vs. 27.5 ± 66.1 µm, p = 0.2) and the mean change in macular volume (0.08 ± 0.34 vs. -0.05 ± 0.21 mm3, P = 0.8) were not statistically different between the treatment group and control group. In the post-hoc analysis restricting the treatment group to patients who had not received intravitreal injections in the study eye within 6 months, CST decrement was not statistically significant (p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: In this study there was no statistically significant effect on CME of contralateral intravitreal corticosteroid implants.

Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant (Ozurdex) in Paediatric Patients with Non-infectious Intermediate Uveitis and Related Cystoid Macular Oedema: Evaluation of Macular Morphology and Function with Six-month Follow-up; a Deeper Role of MfERG?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of Ozurdex implant by analyzing macular morphology and function in pediatric uveitis and related cystoid macular edema (CMO). METHODS: Main outcomes were visual acuity, mfERG and photopic ERG response, and central macular thickness. Mean values recorded at each time-point were compared to baseline and correlations between functional and anatomical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Resolution of intraocular inflammation and CMO was achieved in all eyes 1 month after implant without procedure or drug-related complications. Mean visual acuity and mfERG amplitude improved showing a statistically significant difference to baseline values for the first 4 months. Mean central macular thickness showed a statistically significant reduction for all follow-up time. Photopic ERG did not vary significantly. Statistically significant correlation was found between trends of visual acuity, central macular thickness, and mfERG responses. CONCLUSION: Correlation found between macular morphology and function confirms the efficacy of Ozurdex in pediatric uveitis.

Utilizing dexamethasone intravitreal implant to control postoperative inflammation in refractory uveitis undergoing cataract surgery.

AIM: To report the effectiveness of intravitreal implantation of dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in refractory uveitis patients. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study conducted for refractory pan-uveitis patients who underwent cataract surgery combined with intravitreal Ozurdex implantation. The main outcome measurements were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), grade of anterior chamber cell (AAC), intraocular pressure (IOP), and systemic/ocular adverse events. RESULTS: Ten eyes of 7 patients were included. BCVA showed significant improvement at 1mo (P=0.004), 3mo (P=0.0004), and 6mo (P=0.001) post operation. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative CRT among follow-up groups (P>0.05). No significant differences were observed in the baseline IOP when compared to 1, 3, and 6mo (all P>0.05) post operation. One patient developed a transient elevated IOP post injection. Two eyes (20%) developed posterior capsular opacifications and underwent neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. In six patients (8 eyes, 71.4%), the systemic steroid usage was reduced to below 10 mg/d. The patients experienced a mean of 1.4±0.52 recurrences of inflammation in the 6mo before operation and 0.7±0.48 in the 6mon post operation. The mean recurrence time was 13±0.58wk (range 12-14wk) post operation. In five of seven patients (7 out of 10 eyes), inflammation relapse was developed postoperatively. Only one patient (2 eyes) needed increased amounts of oral corticosteroids. Intraocular inflammation recurrence in the remaining patients was controlled by topical steroids. CONCLUSION: Ozurdex is considered a safe and effective approach to control postoperative inflammation in cataract surgery for patients with refractory uveitis in our study. After the disappearance of Ozurdex's anti-inflammatory effects over time, in most cases the recurrent inflammation can be controlled by topical steroids.

Adult coats' disease successfully managed with the dexamethasone intravitreal implant (ozurdex®) combined with retinal photocoagulation.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Coats' disease managed with the dexamethasone intravitreal implant Ozurdex(®) (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif., USA) combined with retinal photocoagulation. METHODS: A 46-year-old female with 20/200 visual acuity was diagnosed with Coats' disease with secondary retinal vasoproliferative tumor. An initial approach was performed with an intravitreal injection of the sustained-release dexamethasone implant Ozurdex. After reattachment of the retina, the telangiectatic vessels were treated with laser photocoagulation. RESULTS: The patient's visual acuity improved to 20/25 after the intravitreal Ozurdex. No further recurrences of exudation were evident through the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ozurdex may be an effective initial therapeutic approach for Coats' disease with immediate anatomical response and visual improvement.