Abstract:Dexamethasone intravitreal implant is a biodegradable dexamethasone(DEX)0.7mg slow-release implant that progressively dissolves in the vitreous gel. DEX implant now is approved for macular edema(ME)secondary to retinal vein occlusion(RVO), diabetic macular edema(DME)and non-infectious uveitis(NIU). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events are intraocular pressure(IOP)elevation and cataract. Therefore, DEX implant is still second choice level in treatment of RVO-ME and DME. It is reasonable to switch to DEX implant when anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapy fail. However, DEX implant may be recommended as a first choice for selected cases, such as for pseudophakic eyes, anti-VEGF-resistant eyes, or patients reluctant to receive intravitreal injections frequently. Recent studies suggest dexamethasone implant is safely and effectively improves uveitis-related ME but the role of DEX implant in the management of NIU has yet to be defined. This article reviews the recent progress of DEX implant and focusing on its efficacy and safety.
