Does Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant Fragmentation Affect Clinical Outcomes in Macular Edema from Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant fragmentation on clinical outcomes in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-induced macular edema (ME). Methods: All consecutive patients receiving an intravitreal dexamethasone implant for BRVO-induced ME were divided into two groups depending on whether the implant was intact or had fragmented into two or more pieces on postoperative day 1. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central subfield thickness (CST) on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were measured for 6 months. Results: Among 68 patients, the implant was fragmented in 6 (8.8%) and intact in 62 (91.2%) eyes. The two groups did not differ in BCVA and CST at any time point (all p > 0.05). There was no difference in the ME recurrence rate, frequency of IOP elevation, and cataract progression between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Fragmentation seemed not to influence clinical outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implantation during 6 months or to alter the frequency of adverse events.