Ozurdex Injection Treatment

What is Ozurdex Injection Treatment?

Ozurdex injection treatment is a treatment option available for correcting macular edema in a number of eye disorders.

It is a dexamethasone implant that helps reduce inflammation. The benefit over other treatment options includes the elimination of a monthly injections regime and doctor visits.

What Conditions Does Ozurdex Injection Treatment Help?

Ozurdex injection treatment is a treatment option for

age-related macular degeneration(AMD),diabetic macular edema(DME)
macular edema as a result of blockage of veins in the eye;
branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO) and
central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO).

It is also used to treat non-infectious inflammation in the back of the eye (uveitis).

Why is Ozurdex Injection Treatment Required?

Ozurdex injection treatment is required to ensure a higher quality of life for the patient.

As the macular edema progresses, the patient can experience altered vision including:

change of shapes, and
blurry vision.

If the treatment is not provided, the associated growth of new blood vessels in the eye and edema can result in scarring and loss of central vision.

Who is Ozurdex Injection Treatment Suitable For?

Ozurdex injection treatment is suitable for any individual who:

Is not allergic to dexamethasone
Does not have high ocular pressure (glaucoma)
Does not have an ongoing eye infection
Does not have any eye pain or redness
Has not gone under cataract surgery previously

Preparation Before Ozurdex Injection Treatment

Ozurdex injection treatment is an outpatient procedure.

In order to prepare for the treatment,

the patient should be adequately counselled to ensure that the informed consent obtained is fully understood.
The patient is also advised to not wear any makeup of the treatment.

Steps in Treatment

It simply involves:

making the patient comfortable
administering a local topical anesthetic to the eye.
the doctor giving the Ozurdex injection into the eye using a special applicator.

The patient might hear a click during the injection, which is normal. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes.

What Should I Expect after Ozurdex Injection Treatment?

The doctor will advise the patient to rest in his office after the procedure and provide refreshments.
The doctor will then check the eyes of the patient under a microscope before discharging them.
The patients are not allowed to drive immediately after the operation and should make alternative arrangements for transport.
The patient will also be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops they should use as instructed.
Patients will experience blurry vision for up to 24 hours, but this varies from case to case.