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Two recent approvals reduce patient ‘drop burden’ after cataract surgery
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WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — The current post-cataract surgery drop regimen puts “significant burden on patients” and often leads to poor outcomes, high patient call volume and patient satisfaction, according to a speaker here.
Patients receive a steroid, an antibiotic and an NSAID and represent “over 105 drops in a 4-week period,” Cynthia A. Matossian, MD, FACS, said here at Hawaiian Eye 2019. “And 93% of patients improperly administer drops following cataract surgery.”
Some recent FDA approvals may reverse this trend, she said. And steps have been taken for J-codes and pass-through payment status.
“Fortunately, we are embarking on a new era of being able to deliver drugs at the time of cataract surgery either for prophylaxis for infection or inflammation,” Matossian said.
Dextenza (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert 0.4 mg, Ocular Therapeutix) is the first FDA-approved intracanalicular insert to deliver dexamethasone to treat postoperative ocular pain for up to 30 days with one treatment.
In February 2018, Dexycu (EyePoint Pharmaceuticals), a dropless therapeutic designed to treat inflammation associated with cataract surgery, was approved by the FDA.
Dexycu uses a drug delivery technology to dispense a biodegradable extended-release formulation of dexamethasone into the posterior chamber of the eye.
“Dexycu has a 3 year pass-through code and they already have a J-code,” Matossian said. The code is J1095.
“Dextenza is working on a permanent J-code and also for pass-through,” she said. “So, both of these will be options for you to use initially to try by going through the pass-through system.” – by Joan-Marie Stiglich, ELS
Reference: Matossian C. New drug delivery technology for cataract patients. Presented at: Hawaiian Eye; Jan. 19-25, 2019; Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Disclosures: Matossian reports she is a consultant for EyePoint and Ocular Therapeutix.