Comparison of the Effect of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant in Vitrectomized and Nonvitrectomized Eyes for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To compare the effectiveness of sustained-release dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant in nonvitrectomized eyes and vitrectomized eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods.

A retrospective review of the medical records of 40 eyes of 30 consecutive patients with diabetic macular edema who underwent intravitreal DEX implant injection.

Patients were divided into 2 subgroups: 31 eyes that were nonvitrectomized (group 1) and 9 eyes that had previously undergone standard pars plana vitrectomy (group 2).

The main outcome measures were BCVA and foveal thickness (FT).

Results.

A significant improvement was seen in BCVA in both group 1 and group 2 at the 1st, 2nd, and 6th months after treatment with DEX implant (p<0.05).

In group 1, a significant reduction in FT was observed at the 1st, 2nd, and 6th months (p<0.05).

In group 2, a significant reduction in FT was seen at the 1st and 2nd months (p<0.05), but the reduction rate at the 6th month after the injection was not statistically significant (p=0.06).

Conclusion.

DEX implant is effective for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, and the effectiveness of the drug is similar in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes.