Dexamethasone intravitreal implant for macular edema: a pilot study in a public health center

Introduction: Macula edema consists in one of the most common causes of visual impairment. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous release of 0.7 mg dexamethasone (using implantable device) for treatment of macular edema. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of 16 patients treated with 0.7 mg dexamethasone intraocular implant. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure and central macular thickness were recorded at baseline, 1-month and 3-month follow-up. Results: 15 eyes of 13 patients were included. Most eyes (n=9) improve visual acuity from baseline at 1-month follow-up; this improvement persisted through 3-monyh follow-up in six eyes. The central macular thickness decreased in the majority of the subjects at 1-month (n=12) and at 3-month (n=10) follow-up. Three eyes presented with elevated intraocular pressure. Conclusion: Dexamethasone implant can both reduce the risk of vision loss and improve anatomical features of macular edema due to several pathologies studied. This implant may be used safely and should be considered a therapeutic option to Brazilian Public Health System.