Common and Rare Ocular Side-effects of the Dexamethasone Implant

Abstract

Purpose: Expanding indications for use, and overall increased use of the slow-release dexamethasone (DEX) implant yields an opportunity to study the reported ocular side-effects and adverse events associated with this drug.

Methods: A PubMed.gov (US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) review of literature for the search terms, "Ozurdex and complication," through December 2015.

Results: Ocular hypertension and cataract are the main long-term sequelae identified in large, randomized clinical trials. Case reports have emerged regarding implant migration, complications with implantation, infection, and posterior segment sequelae, including vitreomacular traction.

Conclusion: DEX implant overall is well-tolerated and, with careful monitoring, can be a useful adjunct to treating macular edema associated with diabetes, retinal vein occlusion, and chronic uveitis.

Keywords: Cystoid macular edema; Ozurdex®; dexamethasone; retinal vein occlusion; side-effects; uveitis.