Risk for Ocular Hypertension With Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implants in Black and White Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effects of intravitreal (IVT) 0.7 mg dexamethasone implants on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in Black patients and White patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed of Black patients and White patients with DME who received dexamethasone implants with 12 or more months of follow-up. Results: The study included 145 eyes (69 Black; 76 White) with a mean (±SD) of 3.6 ± 3.9 dexamethasone implants and 58 ± 31 months of follow-up. Black patients had higher baseline rates of glaucoma (23% vs 8%; P = .010) but similar rates of ocular hypertension after receiving IVT dexamethasone (20% vs 16%; P = .52). By the last follow-up visit, the mean central subfield thickness had decreased from 387 ± 129 µm to 314 ± 104 µm (P < .001). Conclusions: IVT dexamethasone implants decreased macular thicknesses in patients with DME; however, there was no difference in the rate of ocular hypertension after IVT dexamethasone between Black patients and White patients.

Keywords: diabetic macular edema; intravitreal dexamethasone implant; ocular hypertension; race.