Ozurdex is an intravitreal sustained-release Dexamethasone (0.7mg) Implant. Dexamethasone is a steroid. It is injected into the eye to treat macular oedema. The Ozurdex injection price in India is a common question that we get asked and more about at the end of this page.
Macular oedema is swelling or collection of fluid in the central part of the retina. The fluid collection occurs due to 2 main reasons :
Vascular component – Due to release of VEGF by the diseased retina. Anti-VEGF drugs like Accentrix, Avastin, and Eylea counteract this effect of VEGF.
Inflammatory component – The diseased retina also releases different inflammatory mediators, contributing to the swelling. This inflammatory component is treated by giving intravitreal steroids like ozurdex injections.
These processes occur in primary inflammatory diseases like uveitis or primarily vascular diseases like diabetic macular oedema and retinal vein occlusions.
Ozurdex is a corticosteroid and works to help reduce the inflammation in the retina. Ozurdex helps by improving visual acuity. Once injected, the implant dissolves slowly and releases a corticosteroid called dexamethasone. Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, reduce inflammation.
Preparing for the taking the ozurdex eye injection
Speak with your doctor about any questions/concerns you may have. Arrange to have somebody take you to and from your appointment. Create a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take.
The injection of Ozurdex will only take a few moments. You will be awake. Your doctor will clean and numb the surface of the eye. Your doctor will inject Ozurdex using a unique applicator that's about the size of a pen. During the injection, you may feel pressure. You may then hear a click when your doctor presses the button that releases the Ozurdex implant in your eye. Your doctor will check your eye, and then you will be ready to go home. We will patch your eye, and you can remove the eye pad after you reach home. You will be required to put in antibiotic eye drops for five days after the procedure to prevent infection.
Over time, you should notice an improvement in your vision as the swelling reduces. However, individual results may vary.
Ozurdex implant will dissolve over months and will not need to be removed
What are the precautions to take after the injection?
You will be given antibiotic drops to use for five days after the injection to ensure that no infection occurs.
Avoid rubbing your eyes after the injection. You can wash your face the following day, but avoid swimming for a few days after injection.
If your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, or develops a vision change, be sure to contact your eye doctor immediately.
Increased eye pressure
There is a chance of increased eye pressure that generally returns to where it started. If you experience this, your doctor will observe you and determine the need for controlling eye pressure with glaucoma eye drops.
Cataracts
A cataract is a condition in which the eye's lens becomes cloudy or opaque. Cataracts could form if you have repeated treatments with Ozurdex. If that happens, your vision may decrease, and you will need a cataract operation to remove the cataract and restore your vision.
Ozurdex is a sustained-release steroid. It means that the steroid gradually releases from the injected capsule into the eye. Thus, there is no need to take monthly injections. This one injection may last for up to 3-4 months.
The Ozurdex eye injection cost in India is currently 22000. We charge 15000 extra over and above this, including the operation theatre, surgeon fees, and other consumables costs. The cost to the patient will be Rs 37000 per injection.
HI