Episcleral Dexamethasone for Treatment of Macular Edema and Inflammatory Disorders of the Posterior Pole

Phase I Study of Sequestered Transscleral, Controlled-Release Dexamethasone Delivered Via Episcleral Reservoir for Treatment of Macular Edema & Inflammatory Disorders of the Eye Posterior Pole Including Sclera, Choroid, Retina or Vitreous

This phase I trial will assess primarily the safety and secondarily anti-inflammatory effect of Episcleral Dexamethasone in patients suffering from macular edema and other disorders of the retina, choroid and vitreous.

This phase I trial will assess primarily the safety and secondarily anti-inflammatory effect of Episcleral Dexamethasone in patients suffering from macular edema and other disorders of the retina, choroid and vitreous. Numerous studies have documented the anti-inflammatory activity of Dexamethasone in macular edema associated with diabetes, branch retinal vein occlusion, and non-infectious posterior uveitis. The investigators hypothesize that Episcleral Dexamethasone is safe, tolerable and that its anti-inflammatory activity will interface with the pro-inflammatory cascade associated with macular edema due to diabetes, surgery, trauma, vein occlusions, uveitis and retinal degeneration to improve visual structure and function. The investigators hypothesize that Episcleral Dexamethasone is safe, tolerable and that its anti-inflammatory activity will reduce macular edema and improve vision. The investigator's objective is to primarily assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of Episcleral Dexamethasone in patients with macular edema; to secondarily assess efficacy in reducing macular edema and improving visual structure and function. The main outcome of the study is safety assessment. Secondary outcomes are assessment of visual acuity and anatomical changes in the macula as measured via optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiogram.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >= 18 years;
• Visual acuity letter score in study eye < 70 and ≥ 25 letters (approximate Snellen equivalent 20/32 to 20/320);
• Ophthalmoscopic evidence of center-involved macular edema, within the central subfield (CSF);
• Inflammatory disorders of the sclera, choroid, retina or vitreous

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to understand informed consent, cooperate with testing or return to follow up visits;
• Pregnant or lactating women;
• Co-existent ocular disorder of the cornea, lens or media that will interfere with assessment of safety or efficacy.