title: Sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant for persistent macular edema after vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Persistent macular edema (ME) after surgical removal of epiretinal membrane (ERM) may impair postoperative visual recovery. Sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX) was used to treat recalcitrant ME after vitrectomy for ERM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective chart review of eyes treated with DEX for ME after ERM removal. Visual and anatomic outcomes were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five eyes with refractory ME on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after ERM surgery were treated with DEX. Four of five eyes demonstrated reduction in macular thickness on OCT (mean: 106 μm), with mean percentage reduction in central foveal thickness of 25%. Visual acuity improved by one or more Snellen lines in four of five eyes. DEX effect duration was 3 to 9 months. Two eyes with OCT and visual improvement after initial DEX received multiple DEX implants for maintenance therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Inflammatory factors may contribute to persistent ME after vitrectomy for ERM. DEX may be a treatment option in such cases.
authors.forename: Lauren S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Taney
authors.forename: Caroline R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Baumal
authors.forename: Jay S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Duker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D004343:Drug Implants; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D058449:Intravitreal Injections; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D004343:Drug Implants; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone