What are the advantages of using the Dextenza ophthalmic insert after eye surgery?

The advantage of using Dextenza ophthalmic insert is the ease of use when compared to using eye drops. Also the insert is bioabsorbable, so it absorbs into the surrounding tissue and does not need to be removed.

Dextenza (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert) is an intracanalicular hydrogel plug that slowly releases the corticosteroid dexamethasone into the anterior segment of the eye. It is inserted in the lower lacrimal punctum and into the canaliculus of the eye during ophthalmic surgery (such as cataract removal) for the continuous treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation and pain for up to 30 days.

Treating postoperative ocular inflammation and pain can be a challenge, with conventional eye drop treatment regimens requiring frequent administration. Many patients report difficulty instilling eye drops and many may also use improper techniques for drop instillation. Dextenza is designed to eliminate the need for corticosteroid eye drops and allows rehabilitation of the ocular surface while the eye heals.

The Dextenza insert is bioabsorbable, which means it dissolves into the surrounding tissue of the eye, and does not need to be removed.

Dextenza is also approved for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.