In the present study, 1-year outcome of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) was evaluated.

The medical records of 22 patients (22 eyes) with macular edema secondary to CRVO were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implant more than twice a year and followed up at least for 1 year from the first dexamethasone implant injection. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured every 2 months after the first injection. Adverse effects, including cataract formation and elevation of IOP, were analyzed.

The mean patient age was 64.3 ± 9.5 years and 10 patients (45.5%) were male. The average number of injections was 2.4 ± 0.6 and the interval between the first and second injection was 22.0 ± 6.4 weeks. The mean BCVA (log MAR) was 0.82 ± 0.50 and 0.72 ± 0.62 at baseline and after 1 year, respectively. Vision was significantly improved for 8 months after the first injection ( p < 0.05). However, vision was not different from baseline after 1 year. The CMT was significantly decreased compared to baseline ( p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that BCVA was improved and CMT decreased significantly when intravitreal dexamethasone concentration was presumed sufficient. Moreover, CMT decreased significantly in hypertensive and ischemic groups compared with normotensive and non-ischemic groups, respectively ( p < 0.001). Elevated IOP was observed in 6 eyes (27.3%), but all 6 eyes became normal after topical agent was applied. Cataract formation was observed in 3 eyes (13.6%).

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant resulted in visual acuity stabilization and macular edema reduction in patients having macular edema secondary to CRVO without significant adverse events.