Using a dexamethasone insert to manage pain and inflammation after vitreoretinal surgery

Intracanalicular Dexamethasone Insert for Management of Post-operative Pain and Inflammation in Patients Undergoing Vitreoretinal Surgery

Phase 4 Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT04371445

This study tests if a new dexamethasone insert can better manage pain and inflammation after eye surgery compared to regular steroid eye drops for adults.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT04371445 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a dexamethasone intracanalicular insert compared to traditional topical steroid drops in controlling inflammation and pain following vitreoretinal surgery. Patients aged 18 and older undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for conditions like macular hole or epiretinal membrane removal will be randomly assigned to receive either the insert or topical drops. The study will assess inflammation control at multiple time points post-surgery, providing insights into the reliability of continuous drug delivery versus patient adherence to topical treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old scheduled for vitreoretinal surgery, specifically pars plana vitrectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with ongoing ocular inflammation, structural lid abnormalities, or those undergoing combined surgical procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved management of postoperative pain and inflammation, enhancing recovery for patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of dexamethasone inserts is relatively novel in this specific context, similar approaches in other ophthalmic surgeries have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women \>18 years old
* Planning to undergo vitreoretinal surgery with the procedure type of pars plana vitrectomy for either the indication of macular hole, epiretinal membrane removal, or vitreomacular traction.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing combined cataract or glaucoma procedure, intraocular lens exchange, scleral buckle, and/or implant of a drug delivery system
* History of complications, trauma, adverse events, disease in nasolacrimal region, including dacryocystitis, canaliculitis in either eye
* Structural lid abnormalities such as ectropion or entropion in surgical eye
* Ongoing use of systemic narcotic pain relievers
* Presence of any intraocular inflammation (cells and flare) in the study eye at screening/baseline
* Pain score greater than "0" on the ocular pain assessment in the study eye at screening/baseline
* Active or chronic or recurrent uncontrolled ocular or systemic inflammatory disease, including diabetes
* Other ocular surgeries or procedures during the study period and/or 6 months prior
* Intraoperative complications
* Patients with history of glaucoma (defined as glaucoma requiring 2 or more drops, IOP at baseline greater than 25, or advanced optic nerve cupping). Patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension controlled with a single drop can be enrolled.
* Patients with a known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs or steroids or any component of the study medication.
* Have used ocular, topical, or systemic NSAIDs within 7 days prior to procedure and during surgery.
* Use of intracameral or subconjunctival NSAIDs or steroids intraoperatively.
* Have used topical, ocular, inhaled or systemic steroids within 14 days prior to procedure
* Are pregnant or nursing/lactating
* Participation as a subject in any clinical study within the 30 days prior to randomization.
* Surgeries using 20 gauge or 23 gauge instruments.

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

Study contacts

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 Vitreoretinal SurgeryOcular InflammationPost-operative PainPost-Operative Inflammationdexamethasone insert
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.