Sometimes our eyes get all sorts of problems, don't they? Suddenly, our vision gets a little blurry, and swelling can develop inside the eye. People with medical conditions like diabetes are especially prone to these problems. So, today we are going to talk about a special treatment that your eye doctor can suggest to you in such a situation. That is, instilling a medicine called Dexamethasone into the eye.
Simply put, what is this treatment?
Although the name may sound a bit complicated, let's keep it simple. Dexamethasone is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids . The main function of these drugs is to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
Now you might think that this is an eye drop or a pill. But it's not. It's a very small, slowly dissolving piece of medicine, smaller than a grain of rice. We call this an implant . This small piece of medicine is placed inside your eye by your eye doctor using a special procedure.
This means that the medicine is gradually released into the eye over several months, controlling the swelling inside the eye. This treatment is most often used for a condition called macular edema . This is when fluid builds up and swells in the sensitive area in the center of the retina, called the macula, which is essential for our vision.
This treatment is not something you can do at home. It is a procedure that must be performed in a hospital or clinic by a trained ophthalmologist.
Things you need to tell your doctor before undergoing this treatment
Before deciding whether this treatment is right for you, it is important to inform your doctor about your complete health status. Be sure to tell them about the following in particular:
- If you currently have an infection in your eye .
- If you have cataracts .
- If you have glaucoma , a disease that causes increased pressure in the eye.
- If you have allergies to dexamethasone or other corticosteroids , or to any other medicine or food.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Providing this information accurately will help your doctor provide you with the safest and most appropriate treatment.
What are the things to be careful about after treatment?
After the treatment, the doctor will give you a set of instructions. It is very important to follow them exactly.
- Don't miss the follow-up: Be sure to go back on the days your doctor tells you to. This is because you need to be checked regularly to see if your eye pressure increases or if there are any other problems after this treatment.
- Vision changes: Your vision may be blurred for a short time after the treatment. This is normal. Therefore, do not drive or operate dangerous machinery without consulting your doctor.
- Follow the instructions: If you are told not to use water in your eyes, or if you are given a different type of eye drop, follow all instructions exactly.
What to do if you overdose?
Since this treatment is administered by a doctor, the risk of an overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that you have been exposed to this medicine, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Possible side effects
As with any medical treatment, there are some possible side effects. Some are normal, but some require immediate attention. Let's break these down.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Vision changes | Sudden blurred vision, decreased vision, or other unusual changes. |
| Eye pain | Unbearable, persistent eye pain after treatment. |
| Symptoms of eye infection | Eye redness, swelling, pain, and discharge of mucus or other fluid from the eye. |
| 🙂 Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Headache | Mild headache. |
| Floaters | After treatment, small black spots or thread-like objects appear to float before the eyes. |
| Mild redness or inflammation of the eye | Slight redness or discomfort after treatment. |
| Tears flowing from the eyes | Tears constantly coming from the eyes. |
Remember, this list does not include all possible side effects. Additionally, if you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Dexamethasone intravitreal implant is a special medication used to treat swelling inside the eye, especially conditions such as macular edema .
- This treatment is performed by a doctor in a hospital or clinic, and is not a medicine you can take home.
- Before treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Be sure to attend the follow-up appointments provided by your doctor after treatment. This includes checking your eye pressure (risk of glaucoma) and the risk of cataracts.
- If you experience severe eye pain, a sudden change in vision, or signs of infection (redness, swelling), tell your doctor immediately .
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