Ultrasound analysis of cataractogenesis dynamics during treatment of macular edema with intravitreal administration of a dexamethasone implant

Relevance Glucocorticosteroid therapy for macular edema is currently one of the most effective treatments [1], but despite the undeniable effectiveness of this method, one of the side effects is the possibility of developing cataracts [2]. Objective Evaluation of the dynamics of changes in the lens capsule against the background of intravitreal administration of a dexamethasone implant using ultrasound [3]. Material and methods The study included 41 patients with a native lens and newly diagnosed macular edema against the background of diabetic retinopathy and retinal venous occlusions, who had not previously received intravitreal injections (IVI) of dexamethasone [4]. The observation period was 6 months. Participants were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 did not receive IVI, Group 2 - received a single IVI. Results Three months after IVI of dexamethasone, a statistically insignificant tendency towards a decrease in the density of the anterior lens capsule was revealed in patients of the 2nd group. From the 6th month, a statistically significant decrease in density was recorded in relation to the initial values ​​(p = 0.38). Conclusion Based on the obtained data, it can be said that intravitreal injections of dexamethasone in macular edema will affect the density of the periphery of the lens capsule. Thus, further study of the structural and qualitative characteristics of the lens is one of the main tasks in improving phaco surgery. Keywords: cataract; macular edema; dexamethasone; lens capsule; intravitreal injection