Ozurdex Intraocular Implant for Retinal Occlusions

Ozurdex (Allergan) was recently FDA approved for the treatment of retinal vein occlusions (RVO). When injected into the eye, steroids are released to reduce the retinal swelling resulting from branch vein occlusions and retinal vein occlusions.  Often, there is improvement in vision.

Ozurdex Releases a Steroid

Ozurdex is a bioabsorbable and sustained releasey drug delivery system. It is painlessly injected into the eye and releases a steroid, dexamethasone, for up to six months. The device itself then dissolves and is absorbed by the eye.  It is smaller than a grain of rice.

Significant loss of vision is a common problem with retinal vein occlusions.  There are two types of retinal vein occlusions; 

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusions (BRVO)

Central Retinal Vein Occlusions (CRVO)

Usually, vision loss occurs suddenly and rarely, if ever, improves on its own.  The best results with Ozurdex seem to be those situations where we can start treatment in an early and timely fashion.

Infection is a Risk

As with all intraocular injections, there are risks.  The biggest risk of intraocular injections is endophthalmitis, or, infection inside the eye.  Though rare, this can lead to blindness.   Antibiotic drops and sterilizing solutions are used before the injection is given.

Intraocular Injections Do Not Hurt

The biggest concern among patients is the pain.  We take great precautions to deliver these injections safely and painlessly.  Topical lidocaine (used for numbing) is administered for at least 20 minutes at the injection site.

A small thin needle is used to administer the medicine.  The injection may need to be repeated in several months.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Retinal Specialist
Fairfax, Virginia