Research progress of intravitreal Dexamethasone implant in the treatment of non-infectious uveitic macular edema

Abstract

Macular edema(ME)is a typical non-specific complication of uveitis, one of the common causes of visual impairment in patients with non-infectious uveitis(NIU). The treatment of uveitis related ME is still challenging in clinic. Various agents, such as corticosteroids, anti-vascular endothelial growth factors, and immune-modulators, have been used for combating uveitis related ME. However, there is not enough evidence to support the efficacy of any of these agents. Intravitreal dexamethasone implant(IDI, Ozurdex©; Allergan Inc, Irvine, CA)is a widely administered corticosteroid for the long-term management of uveitic ME in certain cases. Recent studies have demonstrated that IDI effectively improves uveitis related ME, and this effect could be sustained for at least six months with close monitoring and retreatment, as needed. Currently, we reviewed major clinical studies about IDI in eyes with NIU and briefly overviewed their results.

Keywords

• intravitreal injection
• intravitreal dexamethasone implant
• non-infectious uveitis
• macular edema
• research progress