Early Results of the Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant in the Treatment of Macular Edema Due to Retinal Vein Occlusion

Introduction: To evaluate the six-month effect and side effects of dexamethasone implant in the treatment of central retinal vein occlusion (SRVT) and retinal vein branch occlusion (RVDT) induced macular edema (MO). Material and Method: Thirtyseven patients (37 eyes) who were treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implant due to SRVT (n = 19) and RVDT(n = 18) in the Ophthalmology Department were included in the study. Records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who were followed up monthly for at least 6 months were included in the study. It was performed at the beginning and after each treatment; slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination findings, best corrected visual acuity (EDGK), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OKT) and central macular thickness (SMK) measurements were done and side effects were recorded. Results: The patients were divided into two groups: RVDT group 1 (n = 18), SRVT group 2 (n = 19). In all patients, after the treatment, EDGK increased significantly up to the 4th month, whereas the values of SMK decreased significantly (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between EDGK after the 4th month. The increase in maximum visual acuity was significantly higher in group 1 than 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean SMK reduction (p>0.05). In 8 (21.6%) patients treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implant, intraocular pressure increased. Discussion: Intravitreal dexamethasone implant provides anatomic and functional improvement in the first 6 months in patients with macular edema secondary to SRVT and RVDT. No side effects were seen except intraocular pressure