Common and Rare Ocular Side-effects of the Dexamethasone Implant

Purpose: Expanding indications for use, and overall increased use of the slow-release dexamethasone (DEX) implant yields an opportunity to study the reported ocular side-effects and adverse events associated with this drug. Methods: A PubMed. gov (US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) review of literature for the search terms, Ozurdex and complication, through December 2015. Results: Ocular hypertension and cataract are the main long-term sequelae identified in large, randomized clinical trials. Case reports have emerged regarding implant migration, complications with implantation, infection, and posterior segment sequelae, including vitreomacular traction. Conclusion: DEX implant overall is well-tolerated and, with careful monitoring, can be a useful adjunct to treating macular edema associated with diabetes, retinal vein occlusion, and chronic uveitis.