Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant

If you have macular edema from retinal vein occlusion, you may benefit from the dexamethasone intravitreal implant. This medication can also be used to treat swelling of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Your healthcare provider will inject the implant directly into your eye, where it will release a steroid medication. Because the implant dissolves, it does not need to be removed.

What Is the Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant?

The dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) is a prescription medication used to treat the following eye conditions:
 
  • Macular edema (swelling) from retinal vein occlusion (RVO), which is a blockage of the vein that carries blood out of the eye
 
  • Swelling of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), medically known as uveitis.
     
(Click What Is the Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, the dexamethasone intravitreal implant may cause side effects.
 However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
 
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
 
Some of the more common side effects of this medication include:
 
  • Increased pressure within the eye
  • Bleeding of the eye
  • Eye redness
  • Eye pain
  • Blurred vision.
     
(Click Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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