Intravitreal dexamethasone implant [Ozurdex] for the treatment of nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy

To evaluate structural and functional outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) in three patients presenting with nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. IDI was administered once in three patients. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), perimetry, volume spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scan of the optic disc (ODV), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) scan and visually evoked potential (VEP) measurements were assessed at baseline and after one and 3 months. Mean BCVA was 20/100 in patient 1 (patient 2: 20/100; patient 3: 20/50) at baseline, 20/60 (patient 2: 20/400) at 1 month and 20/80 (20/400; 20/60) at 3 months. Mean deviation in perimetry developed from -4.90 dB (-22.09 dB; -8.68 dB) to -7.60 dB (-30.75 dB) and -14.23 dB (-30.59 dB; -7.17 dB). ODV and RNFL decreased during follow-up. VEP measurements showed a reduction in amplitudes during the entire observation period. All patients showed a reduction in papilla oedema over time. A functional improvement was not observed.