Ozurdex

What is OZURDEX?

OZURDEX is a tiny corticosteroid implant that is injected into the centre of the eyeball, which is known as the vitreous cavity, to help reduce swelling, improve vision, and alleviate eye pain in patients with certain inflammatory eye conditions.

How does OZURDEX work?

OZURDEX contains the biologically active compound dexamethasone that mimics the action of hormones secreted by your adrenal glands, which have an inhibitory effect on the immune system thereby reducing the signs and symptoms of certain inflammatory eye conditions.

Indications for OZURDEX

OZURDEX has been approved for the treatment of the following conditions in adults:

Diabetic macular oedema
Macular oedema due to central retinal vein occlusion or branch retinal vein occlusion
Non-infectious uveitis

Preparation for OZURDEX Treatment

You must inform your doctor about:

Medications or vitamins you are currently taking as certain medications may interact with OZURDEX to cause eye problems
Allergies to medications
Health conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, glaucoma or eye infections

OZURDEX Treatment Procedure

The OZURDEX treatment procedure involves the following steps:

You will be seated in a comfortable semi-reclined position in a chair.
Your eye will be cleaned to prevent infection.
Your face and the area around the eye will be draped to maintain sterile conditions.
Pain relieving eye drops will be administered to numb the eye.
A device may be placed to keep your eyelids open.
OZURDEX is implanted using a special applicator into the white portion of your eyeball which is known as the sclera. It takes 15-20 seconds and most patients feel slight pressure, but no pain during the procedure.
Your eyesight will be assessed post injection and antibiotic drops may be administered, after which the drapes are removed.

Post-Operative Care after OZURDEX Treatment

You may be provided with antibiotic eye drops that you should use for 3-4 days to prevent infection.
Avoid swimming or getting water into your eyes for a couple of days after the injection.
There may be slight discomfort, redness, and ‘floaters’ in the eye which will go away after a few days.
The implant does not have to be removed as it dissolves gradually over months.

Risks of OZURDEX Treatment

OZURDEX injections are very safe; however, there is a minimal risk of complications that include:

Eye infection
Increased eye pressure
Bleeding
Cataract formation
Detachment of the retina

Benefits of OZURDEX

Timely treatment with OZURDEX can improve detailed vision making it easier for patients with certain eye conditions to read, watch TV, and recognize faces.

There is no need for monthly injections as the implant gradually releases the medication over months.