SAFETY OF CONSECUTIVE SAME-DAY BILATERAL INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT (OZURDEX).

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate patient safety and tolerance of consecutive bilateral intravitreal dexamethasone (Ozurdex) injections during a single visit for the treatment of cystoid macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, or noninfectious posterior uveitis.

METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center institutional review board-approved study from March 1, 2013, through August 1, 2016. All patients had a complete ophthalmologic examination and optical coherence tomography imaging. Bilateral intravitreal dexamethasone (Ozurdex) injection was performed according to standard sterile procedure. Twelve patients (24 eyes) were included in the study.

RESULTS: A total of 48 injections were administered to 24 eyes of 12 patients that qualified for the study. Patients received intravitreal dexamethasone (Ozurdex) injections for treatment of diabetic macular edema (10 patients), retinal vein occlusion (1 patient), or noninfectious posterior uveitis (1 patient). There were no complications.

CONCLUSION: Consecutive same-day bilateral intravitreal dexamethasone (Ozurdex) is safe and well tolerated. There were no significant complications, and patients preferred continuing bilateral implantation after their initial trial. Same-day treatment may optimize efficiency and decrease patient visits and ultimate treatment burden without compromising patient safety or clinical efficacy.