Two new FDA-approved products simplify drug delivery after cataract surgery
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KOLOA, Hawaii — Ninety-two percent of patients do not take drops adequately after cataract surgery, John A. Hovanesian, MD, said at Hawaiian Eye 2020.
According to Hovanesian, there are a few options to solve this problem: use fewer drops or eliminate them all together.
“We need a solution that will be FDA approved, ideally one that is proven safe and effective, delivered close to the target tissue, inexpensive or reimbursed to our patients, and kind to the surface of the eye,” he said.
Dextenxa and Dexycu are two new FDA approved sustained release formulations of dexamethasone that control pain and inflammation following cataract surgery, obviating the need for topical steroid drops, Hovanesian said.
Reimbursement for both products is pass-through, so it is “theoretically free” to the patient, he said.
“We are excited about these changing the way we approach eye care and simplifying our practice,” Hovanesian said. – by Alaina Tedesco
Reference: Hovanesian JA. Drug delivery in cataract surgery. Presented at: Hawaiian Eye 2020; Jan. 18-24, 2020; Koloa, Hawaii.
Disclosure: Hovanesian reports financial ties to Acufocus, Aerie, Alcon, Alicia Surgery Center, Allegro Ophthalmics, Allergan, Abbott Medical Optics, Bausch & Lomb, BlephEx, Cloudbreak Therapeutics, Glaukos, Guardion, Harvard Eye Associates, Harvard Hearing, Ivantis, IOP/Katena, MDbackline, Ocular Therapeutix, Omeros, ReVision Optics, Sarentis ophthalmics, Shire, Sight Sciences, Slack Books, TearLab, TLC The Laser Center, Valeant and Vindico Medical Education.