J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2021 Mar;62(3):322-328. 10.3341/jkos.2021.62.3.322.

The Effect of an Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for Refractory Posterior Scleritis

• Choi SK
• Choi YA
• Kim SH
• Lee JJ
• Byon IS
• Lee JE
• Park SW

• KMID: 2514246
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2021.62.3.322

Abstract

Purpose
To report the effect of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant on refractory posterior scleritis.
Methods
The medical records of patients treated with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant for non-infectious refractory posterior scleritis were retrospectively reviewed, including age, sex, duration of follow-up, and presence of associated systemic diseases. The duration until relapse, changes in visual acuity, number of implants, and side effects associated with the implant were also analyzed.
Results
Seven eyes from five patients were included. The mean age was 73.2 ± 12.5 years (59-92 years). Although all patients had been treated with high-dose systemic steroid, and immunosuppressants were added, the posterior scleritis was poorly controlled. The duration from the diagnosis to the first dexamethasone implant was a mean of 8.2 months (3-27 months). The scleritis was well controlled in all eyes until at least 2 months (2-5 months) after inserting the implant. An average of 2.1 (total of 15 times in the seven eyes) implants were inserted. No complications related to the implant were observed other than a temporary increase in intraocular pressure in one eye.
Conclusions
Intravitreal dexamethasone implants were an effective treatment option for refractory posterior scleritis.

Keyword

Choroid fold, Dexamethasone, Posterior scleritis