CDSCO panel approves Allergan Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the accumulation of excess fluid in the extracellular space within the retina in the macular area, typically in the inner nuclear, outer plexiform, Henle's fiber layer, and subretinal space.

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant is a steroid injected into the eye that is used to treat swelling that may occur when there is a blockage of blood vessels in the eyes. It is also used to treat non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye. It is mainly indicated for the treatment of macular edema following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). It is particularly indicated for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

This intravitreal injection procedure is carried out under controlled aseptic conditions. These conditions include the use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum or any other equivalent. Adequate anesthesia and a broad-spectrum microbicide applied to the periocular skin, eyelid, and ocular surface are recommended to be given prior to the injection. The patients are monitored for elevation in intraocular pressure and for endophthalmitis, following the injection.

At the recent SEC meeting for Ophthalmology held on 26th May 2022, the expert panel reviewed the proposal of Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant 0.7mg for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.