NICE has recommended dexamethasone (Ozurdex, Allergan) intravitreal implant, for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) in preliminary recommendations published today. 

The draft guidance recommends dexamethasone as a treatment option in people only where:  

• the implant is to be used in an eye with an intraocular (pseudophakic) lens,  and
• their diabetic macular oedema does not respond to non-corticosteroid treatment or such treatment is unsuitable for them

Diabetic macular oedema develops when blood vessels in the eye are damaged by a continuously high blood sugar level, causing plasma leakage. This causes a build-up of excess fluid (oedema) in the macular, which is the central part of the retina. The oedema impairs light perception, causing blurring of vision. If it is not treated effectively, it can lead to irreversible vision loss.

The dexamethasone intravitreal implant is injected into the eye once every six months, and works by suppressing inflammation and preventing oedema forming in the eye. It reduces plasma leakage from blood vessels and inhibits the release of inflammatory compounds that cause damage to the eye.

Dr Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director at NICE said:  “NICE is pleased to give the green light to dexamethasone intravitreal implant for some people with diabetic macular oedema in preliminary recommendations. The condition affects around 189,000 people with diabetes in the UK, 39% of whom are eligible for this treatment [4] . This initial decision will be welcome news to both patients and healthcare professionals alike.”

For more details, go to: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/press-and-media/nice-says-yes-to-dexamethasone-for-the-treatment-of-common-diabetic-eye-condition-in-draft-guidance