Utilizing dexamethasone intravitreal implant to control postoperative inflammation in refractory uveitis undergoing cataract surgery

● AIM: To report the effectiveness of intravitreal implantation of dexamethasone implant(Ozurdex) after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in refractory uveitis patients.● METHODS: This single-center retrospective study conducted for refractory pan-uveitis patients who underwent cataract surgery combined with intravitreal Ozurdex implantation. The main outcome measurements were bestcorrected visual acuity(BCVA), central retinal thickness(CRT), grade of anterior chamber cell(AAC), intraocular pressure(IOP), and systemic/ocular adverse events.● RESULTS: Ten eyes of 7 patients were included. BCVA showed significant improvement at 1 mo(P=0.004), 3 mo(P=0.0004), and 6 mo(P=0.001) post operation. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative CRT among follow-up groups(P>0.05). No significant differences were observed in the baseline IOP when compared to 1, 3, and 6 mo(all P>0.05) post operation. One patient developed a transient elevated IOP post injection. Two eyes(20%) developed posterior capsular opacifications and underwent neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. In six patients(8 eyes, 71.4%), the systemic steroid usage was reduced to below 10 mg/d. The patients experienced a mean of 1.4±0.52 recurrences of inflammation in the 6 mo before operation and 0.7±0.48 in the 6 mon post operation. The mean recurrence time was 13±0.58 wk(range 12-14 wk) post operation. In five of seven patients(7 out of 10 eyes), inflammation relapse was developed postoperatively. Only one patient(2 eyes) needed increased amounts of oral corticosteroids. Intraocular inflammation recurrence in the remaining patients was controlled by topical steroids.● CONCLUSION: Ozurdex is considered a safe and effective approach to control postoperative inflammation in cataract surgery for patients with refractory uveitis in our study. After the disappearance of Ozurdex’s antiinflammatory effects over time, in most cases the recurrent inflammation can be controlled by topical steroids.