Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection is an anti-inflammatory steroid medicine used by eye specialists to treat certain serious eye conditions like endophthalmitis and inflammatory macular oedema.
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (Intravitreal) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | Varies |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection is used for
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection is a potent anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically a corticosteroid, that is administered directly into the eye by an eye specialist. It is used as an adjunctive treatment for certain serious eye conditions. An ‘adjunctive’ treatment means it is used in addition to other primary treatments to help improve the overall outcome.
- Endophthalmitis: This is a severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, often caused by an infection. Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection can help reduce the inflammation associated with this condition.
- Inflammatory Macular Oedema: Macular oedema refers to swelling of the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. When this swelling is due to inflammation, Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection can be used to reduce it and potentially improve vision.
It is crucial to understand that this injection is used only for specific inflammatory conditions as determined by your eye doctor and is not a general treatment for all eye problems.
How it works
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection works by delivering a potent corticosteroid, Dexamethasone, directly into the vitreous humour (the jelly-like substance that fills the eye). Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. When injected into the eye, Dexamethasone helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and other immune responses that contribute to conditions like endophthalmitis and inflammatory macular oedema.
By directly targeting the site of inflammation within the eye, this medicine can quickly act to suppress the inflammatory processes. This can help to alleviate symptoms, reduce damage to eye tissues, and potentially preserve or improve vision in affected patients. Unlike some sustained-release implants, this injection delivers the steroid as a solution, providing a more immediate, though shorter-acting, anti-inflammatory effect.
How it’s used
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection is a specialised treatment that is administered only by an eye specialist in a hospital or clinic setting. It is never for self-use. The medicine is given as a single dose, as indicated by your doctor, directly into the vitreous (the jelly inside your eye) using a very fine needle.
Before the injection, your eye will be numbed with anaesthetic eye drops to minimise discomfort. The area around your eye will also be cleaned to prevent infection. You will be asked to look in a specific direction during the injection. The procedure is usually quick. After the injection, your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding post-injection care, which may include using antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and avoiding rubbing your eye.
It is important to attend all follow-up appointments as advised by your doctor. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your eye’s response to the treatment, checking for any potential side effects, and assessing your eye pressure, which is particularly important with steroid medications.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands in India
Hospital-prepared or not marketed as a retail brand in India.
Important safety warning
STEROID — DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE. Unsupervised or prolonged use of steroid eye medication can cause steroid-induced glaucoma (silent, irreversible optic-nerve damage) and cataract, and can turn a viral or fungal eye infection into a sight-threatening one. Use only on an eye doctor's prescription, for the stated duration, with eye-pressure checks. Never repeat an old prescription for a red eye. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection is a powerful steroid medicine and comes with important precautions. It is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use. You must follow your eye doctor’s instructions precisely and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Critical Warning: STEROID — DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE.
Unsupervised or prolonged use of steroid eye medication can lead to serious and irreversible eye damage. Specifically, it can cause:
- Steroid-induced glaucoma: This is a silent condition where the pressure inside your eye increases, leading to irreversible damage to the optic nerve, which can result in permanent vision loss. This often has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred, making regular eye pressure checks by your doctor essential.
- Cataract: Steroid use can accelerate the development of cataracts, which is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, leading to blurry vision.
- Worsening of infections: If you have an undiagnosed viral or fungal eye infection, using steroid medication can suppress your immune response, allowing the infection to become much more severe and sight-threatening. Therefore, it is vital that your doctor thoroughly examines your eye before administering this injection.
Always use this medicine only on an eye doctor’s prescription, for the stated duration, and with regular eye-pressure checks. Never repeat an old prescription for a red eye or any other eye symptom without consulting your eye doctor first. This specific Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection is distinct from the sustained-release Ozurdex implant, and your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Understanding Eye Conditions and Your Treatment
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. When your eye doctor recommends a treatment like Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection, it’s usually for a significant eye condition that requires careful management. Conditions like endophthalmitis and inflammatory macular oedema can seriously affect your vision if not treated promptly and effectively. Endophthalmitis, for instance, is a severe inflammation inside the eye, often following surgery or trauma, and needs urgent attention. Inflammatory macular oedema involves swelling of the macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp central vision, and can lead to blurred or distorted sight. Understanding your condition and why a specific treatment is chosen is the first step towards better eye health.
Your eye doctor will explain the diagnosis, the reasons for choosing Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection, and what to expect during and after the procedure. It’s important to ask any questions you have during your consultation. Remember, this injection is a targeted treatment designed to reduce inflammation directly within your eye, helping to preserve your vision and support your recovery.
General Eye Care and Hygiene
Good eye hygiene is fundamental for maintaining healthy eyes, especially when undergoing treatment for an eye condition. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any eye drops or ointments. This simple step helps prevent the introduction of germs that could lead to infections. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can irritate them and potentially worsen any existing condition or introduce new problems. If your eyes feel itchy or uncomfortable, try blinking several times or gently dabbing them with a clean, soft tissue.
If you are prescribed any other eye drops or ointments to use at home, ensure you follow the instructions precisely. Store all eye medications as directed, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not share your eye medications with anyone else, as what works for you might not be suitable or safe for another person. Always check the expiry date of any eye drops or ointments and discard them appropriately once expired. Maintaining a clean environment around your eyes and adhering to your doctor’s instructions for any at-home care will significantly contribute to your recovery and overall eye health.
When to Seek Medical Help
After receiving a Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection, it is vital to be aware of certain signs and symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. While the procedure is generally safe, like any medical treatment, there can be potential complications. You should contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden, severe eye pain that does not subside.
- Significant decrease in vision or sudden vision loss.
- Seeing new floaters (specks or cobwebs in your vision) or flashes of light.
- Increased redness of the eye that worsens over time.
- Pus or discharge from the eye.
- Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Any other new or worsening symptoms that concern you.
These symptoms could indicate a serious complication, such as an infection or increased eye pressure, which requires prompt evaluation and treatment by an eye specialist. Always attend your scheduled follow-up appointments, as these are crucial for monitoring your recovery and detecting any potential issues early. Your eye doctor will also check your eye pressure regularly, which is a critical precaution when using steroid medications. Do not hesitate to contact your care team if you have any concerns or questions at any point during your treatment and recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection used for?
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection is an anti-inflammatory steroid medicine used by eye specialists as an adjunctive treatment for serious eye conditions like endophthalmitis (severe inflammation inside the eye) and inflammatory macular oedema (swelling of the central part of the retina due to inflammation).
How does Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection work?
This medicine works by delivering a potent steroid, Dexamethasone, directly into the eye. Dexamethasone is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and immune responses within the eye, thereby helping to treat conditions like endophthalmitis and inflammatory macular oedema.
Are there any specific Indian brands for Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection?
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection, in this form, is typically prepared by the hospital pharmacy for immediate use and does not have specific retail brands like some other eye medications. It is distinct from the Ozurdex implant.
How is Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection administered?
This medicine is administered only by an eye specialist in a hospital or clinic setting. It is given as a single dose, as indicated by your doctor, directly into the vitreous (the jelly inside your eye) using a fine needle after your eye has been numbed.
Is a prescription needed for Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection?
Yes, Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection is a prescription-only medicine and is exclusively for hospital use. It is never for self-medication and must only be administered by a qualified eye specialist.
What are the key precautions to be aware of with this injection?
It is critical to never self-medicate with steroids. Unsupervised or prolonged use of steroid eye medication can cause serious issues like steroid-induced glaucoma (silent, irreversible optic nerve damage), cataract, and can worsen viral or fungal eye infections into sight-threatening conditions. Always use it only on an eye doctor's prescription, for the stated duration, and with regular eye-pressure checks. Never repeat an old prescription for a red eye.
References
- Dexamethasone intravitreal implant for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis – PMC – NIH
- Eye Diseases – MedlinePlus
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.