This 41YO male has been followed for years with Coats disease in his left eye. Numerous treatment modalities have been used, including thermal laser, intravitreal anti-VEGF, and Ozurdex (dexamethasone 0.7mg) injections. Most recently, he has received Ozurdex every 3-4 months for the past 2 years. Vision is stable at 20/30.
Optos color RG imaging shows multiple Ozurdex ghosts in variable stages of absorption.
Learning Points:
The Ozurdex implant slowly dissolves while releasing its dexamethasone. Although the clinical effect usually lasts about 2 to 3 months, remnants can remain in the eye for over a year (Kim et al, Retina 2020;40:2226-2231).
Approved for diabetic and retinal vein occlusion macular edema and posterior uveitis, it is also often used off-label for other causes of macular edema, including uveitic and pseudophakic CME. For our patient, Ozurdex has been the most successful modality at keeping his central macula dry.
