Comparing Dexamethasone Inserts to Standard Steroid Drops After Eye Surgery

A Randomized, Controlled, PRospective Study of the Effectiveness and Safety of the Ocular Therapeutix Dextenza (Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Insert) 0.4 mg for the treatMEnt of Post-operative Inflammation in Patients Who Plan to Undergo Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Phase 4 Interventional Vance Thompson Vision - MT · NCT04549935

This study is testing whether a new eye insert can work better than regular steroid eye drops for patients recovering from eye surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages22 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorVance Thompson Vision - MT Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bozeman, Montana)
Trial IDNCT04549935 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the outcomes of patients undergoing bilateral refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery by comparing the effectiveness of a dexamethasone intracanilicular insert (Dextenza) to standard topical steroid drops (prednisolone acetate). Patients will receive one treatment in each eye and will be monitored for post-operative inflammation and the risk of cystoid macular edema. Evaluations will occur on Day 1, Day 7, and one month post-surgery to assess patient preferences and outcomes. The study aims to determine which treatment method provides better results for patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 22 to 75 who are scheduled for bilateral RLE surgery and have a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better.

Not a fit: Patients with active ocular diseases, severe systemic conditions, or those with a history of ocular inflammation or macular edema may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved post-operative care and outcomes for patients undergoing eye surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, but this specific comparison of dexamethasone inserts versus topical drops is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any adult patient who is planned to undergo bilateral RLE surgery with BCVA 20/30 or better
* Willing and able to comply with clinic visits and study related procedures
* Willing and able to sign the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under the age of 22 or above the age of 75
* Patients who are pregnant (must be ruled out in a women of child-bearing age with pregnancy test).
* Patients with active infectious ocular or extraocular disease.
* Patients actively treated with local or systemic immunosuppression including systemic corticosteriods
* Paitents with know hypersensitivity to Dexamethasone
* Patients with severe disease that warrants critical attentino, deemed unsafe for the study by the investigator
* Patients with a history of ocular inflammation or macular edema
* Patients with allergy or inability to receive intracameral antibiotic
* Patients on systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) grater than 1,200 mg/day
* Patient with a corticosteriod implant (i.e. Ozurdex).
* Patient with corneal pathology which pre-disposes them to unsatisfactory outcomes

Where this trial is running

Bozeman, Montana

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Patient PreferencePatient OutcomesPost-Operative InflammationGrade of Post-Operative Cystoid Macular EdemaRate of Post-Operative Cystoid Macular Edema
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.