The Use of Ozurdex (Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant) During Anterior Segment Surgery in Patients with Chronic Recurrent Uveitis

To describe the outcomes of concurrent Ozurdex implantation during anterior segment surgery in patients with chronic recurrent uveitis. Retrospective chart review. Data recorded from preoperative and 1-, 3-, and 6-month postoperative visits included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), medications, and clinical examination findings of inflammation. Twelve patients (12 eyes) with chronic, recurrent noninfectious uveitis undergoing cataract extraction (n=9) or intraocular lens (IOL) explantation (n=3) were included. Mean duration of follow-up after Ozurdex implantation was 12.9 months. There was a significant reduction (n=10, P=0.02) in the average number of inflammation recurrences 6 months before surgery compared to 6 months after surgery with Ozurdex in affected eyes. IOP remained stable in the postoperative period. One patient undergoing anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL) explantation experienced migration of Ozurdex into the anterior chamber resulting in corneal edema that resolved after 1 month. Ozurdex safely and effectively controlled postoperative inflammation in eyes with chronic recurrent uveitis when concurrently implanted during anterior segment surgery in our patients. Caution should be exercised in cases of IOL explantation, as Ozurdex use is now contraindicated in eyes with posterior capsule rupture and ACIOLs.