Vitrectomy Combined with Intraoperative Dexamethasone Implant for the Management of Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 1-year results of vitrectomy performed in combination with intraoperative dexamethasone implant for tractional and nontractional refractory diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Thirteen eyes from 13 subjects who were diagnosed with tractional DME and 17 eyes from 17 subjects who were diagnosed with nontractional refractory DME underwent vitrectomy and dexamethasone implant injection. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) during the one year following vitrectomy were evaluated in each group. Additionally, changes in intraocular pressure and other complications were investigated postoperatively. RESULTS: In eyes with tractional DME, a statistically significant improvement in BCVA was noted at 3, 6, and 12 months, and a statistically significant improvement in CMT was noted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline after vitrectomy (p < 0.05). In eyes with nontractional refractory DME, a statistically significant improvement in BCVA was noted at 12 months, but there were no significant improvements in CMT despite the tendency to decrease from baseline. Sixteen (53.3%) of the 30 eyes included in this study showed intraocular pressure elevation, which was addressed using antiglaucoma medication, and there were no other severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy combined with intraoperative dexamethasone implant may be safe and effective in treating DME, especially tractional DME. In this study, patients with nontractional DME required more additional treatments and time for anatomical and functional improvement compared to patients with tractional DME.