Purpose: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of slow-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX implant) in patients with refractory macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in Taiwan.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of ME secondary to RVO who received the DEX implant at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital from October 2010 to February 2014.
Results: A total of 28 patients with an average age of 60.7 ± 11.1 years were examined. Of these patients, 17 were diagnosed with branch RVO (BRVO) and 11 were diagnosed with central RVO (CRVO). The mean maximal change in vision from the baseline after the final injection was an improvement of 1.7 ± 2.8 lines (equivalent to 8.5 ETDRS letters; p<0.0001). The response to the first injection was similar across both BRVO and CRVO groups, but patients with BRVO showed a more favorable response than those with CRVO after the second injection. The response in patients who had refractory ME after at least 3 previous interventions was similar to the whole group. Three patients (10.7%) had elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that was well controlled by IOP-lowering medications. None of these patients required laser or glaucoma surgery. Five patients (17.9%) exhibited cataract progression during the observation period.
Conclusion: The DEX implant is an effective and safe treatment for ME, secondary to RVO, including refractory ME.