PERSISTENT REMNANTS OF DEXAMETHASONE INTRAVITREAL IMPLANT (OZURDEX)

Abstract

Purpose: To describe persistent remnants of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX implant) and evaluate the risk factors for remnant persistence in patients who received a DEX implant. Methods: This retrospective observational study involved a retrospective chart review of 133 eyes from 129 patients who received DEX implant injection. Results: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients (12.78%) exhibited remnant persistence >1 year after DEX implant injection; eight eyes (13.33%) were diagnosed with branching retinal vein occlusion, three eyes (14.28%) were diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, and six eyes (35.3%) were diagnosed with diabetic macular edema. The number of intravitreal DEX implant injections and triamcinolone acetonide injections administered to eyes with remnant persistence was significantly higher than that administered to the eyes without remnant persistence (P < 0.001 and P = 0.024, respectively). Remnants caused symptomatic floaters in 11.7% (2/17 eyes) of the patients with remnants and in 1.5% (2/133) of the entire patient cohort. Conclusion: DEX implant was not completely dissolved in the eyes that received multiple DEX implant or triamcinolone acetonide injections.