Common and Rare Ocular Side-effects of the Dexamethasone Implant

Purpose: Expanding indications for use, and overall increased use of the slow–release dexamethasone (DEX) implant yields an opportunity to study the reported ocular side–effects and adverse events associated with this drug. Methods: A PubMed.gov (US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) review of literature for the search terms, “Ozurdex and complication,” through December 2015. Results: Ocular hypertension and cataract are the main long-term sequelae identified in large, randomized clinical trials. Case reports have emerged regarding implant migration, complications with implantation, infection, and posterior segment sequelae, including vitreomacular traction. Conclusion: DEX implant overall is well–tolerated and, with careful monitoring, can be a useful adjunct to treating macular edema associated with diabetes, retinal vein occlusion, and chronic uveitis.