Morphological and Functional Outcomes after Intravitreal Dexamethasone Injection for Macular Edema in Patients with Central Vein Occlusion at 48-Week Follow-Up

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI: Ozurdex®) injection in eyes with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion. Material and Method. A retrospective, nonrandomized study was conducted in patients with macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) who undertook intravitreal Ozurdex® as first-line treatment. We performed a complete ocular exam including macular OCT. Results. The mean BCVA (logMar) improved from 0.420.42 ± 0.23 logMar at baseline to 0.21 ± 0.23 logMar at 48 weeks in the BRVO group and from 0.72 ± 0.16 logMar at baseline to 0.31 ± 0.23 logMar at 48 weeks in the CRVO group. In both groups, CFT values decreased significantly compared to baseline (p<0.0001 at each timepoint). Reinjection for recurrent macular edema after 18 weeks was indicated in five eyes (41.67%) in the BRVO group and in six eyes (25%) in the CRVO group. Cataract developed in two eyes (16.67%) in the BRVO group and in one eye (4.17%) in the CRVO group. The IOP was higher than 25 mmHg in two cases in the BRVO group (16.66%) and in three cases (8.33%) in the CRVO group. Conclusion. Ozurdex® injected intravitreally significantly improved the mean CFT and BCVA in eyes with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion.

Real-life medium term follow-up data for intravitreal dexamethasone implant in retinal vein occlusion

“…The observed data on IOP and cataract formation is overall reassuring. It must be noted, however, that similar to earlier studies 5 , 18 – 23 we did observe increased IOP values around 4 weeks after initial treatment. Cataract surgery and elevated IOP occurred less frequently in our study compared to others 24 .…”

Macular edema after retinal vein occlusions. Macular morphometry and chorioretinal hemodynamics

“…Значимая роль в формировании МО на фоне ОРВ отводится воспалению, что подтверждается снижением его выраженности при интраокулярном и периокулярном применении стероидных препаратов [12,13]. Гипоксия сетчатки на фоне МО стимулирует выработку эндотелиального фактора роста сосудов (VEGF), который способствует увеличению сосудистой проницаемости, что в конечном итоге приводит к сосудистому ликеджу [11].…”