Intravitreal Dexamethasone for Diabetic Macular Edema: a Pilot Study

Background And Objective: To determine the response and safety profile of intravitreal dexamethasone in treating diabetic macular edema.

Patients And Methods: In this prospective pilot study, 12 eyes of 12 patients with diabetic macular edema were randomized to receive a single injection of 0.4 mg (n = 6) or 0.8 mg (n = 6) of intravitreal dexamethasone. The outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness on optical coherence tomography. Side effects were monitored.

Results: The 3-month results were reported. In both dosage groups, there were transient improvements in best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness, but the changes were not significant at any time point (best-corrected visual acuity: P > or = 0.14; central foveal thickness: P > or = .08). No significant side effects were observed, except one eye developed a peak intraocular pressure of greater than 21 mm Hg.

Conclusion: A single injection of intravitreal dexamethasone (0.4 or 0.8 mg) did not have significant beneficial effects on diabetic macular edema within 3 months from injection in this small pilot study.