NICE has recommended dexamethasone (Ozurdex, Allergan) intravitreal implant, for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DMO) in preliminary recommendations published February 20th. The draft guidance recommends dexamethasone as a treatment option in people only where:
• the implant is to be used in an eye with an intraocular (pseudophakic) lens, and
• their diabetic macular edema does not respond to non-corticosteroid treatment or such treatment is unsuitable for them.
Diabetic macular edema develops when blood vessels in the eye are damaged by a continuously high blood sugar level, causing plasma leakage. This causes a build-up of excess fluid (edema) in the macular, which is the central part of the retina. The edema impairs light perception, causing blurring of vision. If it is not treated effectively, it can lead to irreversible vision loss.
The dexamethasone intravitreal implant is injected into the eye once every six months, and works by suppressing inflammation and preventing edema forming in the eye. It reduces plasma leakage from blood vessels and inhibits the release of inflammatory compounds that cause damage to the eye.
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