[Tolerability and short-term efficacy of the Ozurdex® dexamethasone intravitreal implant for treatment of uveitic cystoid macular edema: A retrospective study of 52 injections performed at the Clermont-Ferrand teaching hospital].

Macular edema is the main cause of decreased visual acuity in uveitis and determines the visual prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed the tolerability and efficacy of the dexamethasone intravitreal implant in the management of uveitis. Twenty-five patients with uveitic cystoid macular edema were all treated with the Ozurdex(®) dexamethasone intravitreal implant from January 2012 to August 2014. The main outcome measures were visual acuity recovery, changes in macular thickness and resolution of the vitritis. Thirty-two eyes of 25 patients received 52 injections of Ozurdex(®). Both complete regression of the macular edema and resolution of the vitritis occurred in 100 % patients. Visual acuity improved in 62 % of patients: the mean reduction in macular thickness was 252 (±171μm); the mean time between injections was 6.7 (±3.8) months. Secondary ocular hypertension was seen in 33 % of patients. No patient required secondary surgery although a selective laser trabeculoplasty was required for one patient. The dexamethasone intravitreal implant Ozurdex(®) resulted in continuous and complete regression of uveitic cystoid macular edema. It allows evaluation of the potential visual recovery of treated eyes. The tolerability and duration of action provide a rationale for considering Ozurdex(®) as a first-line therapy for uveitis which remains uncontrolled despite optimal systemic treatment.