ARVO 2026 presentation: Superior efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant over systemic and topical corticosteroids in a rabbit model of tnf-a–induced uveitis
Scientific publications
06.05.2026
Ocular uveitis is a major cause of vision loss and often requires corticosteroid therapy to control inflammation. Intravitreal administration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in rabbit eyes causes ocular inflammation in the anterior chamber, iris hyperemia, and vitreal haze. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory efficacy of intravitreal Ozurdex, systemic prednisolone, and topical dexamethasone.
Methods
Baseline ophthalmic examination (OE) was performed using a modified Hackett–McDonald and SPOTS system prior to a single intravitreal injection of TNF-α. The first cohort received intravitreal Ozurdex immediately after induction, with saline-treated eyes as controls. The second cohort received topical dexamethasone three times daily for 14 days, with topical saline controls. The third cohort received oral prednisolone in drinking water (2 mg/kg/day) with standard water as control. OE was performed twice weekly for two weeks. On day 15, the Ozurdex and its control group received an additional TNF-α injection to extend inflammation, and OE continued twice weekly for two more weeks.
Results
Ozurdex treated eyes showed consistently lower OE scores from day 3 onward, with marked improvements in anterior chamber flare, vitreous haze, fundus clarity, and corneal opacity. At the peak of inflammation (day 7), differences between corticosteroid-treated eyes and their respective controls were modest (Ozurdex: 18.75 ± 1.25 vs 22.0 ± 1.0; dexamethasone: 16.25 ± 0.75 vs 17.25 ± 0.7; prednisolone: 21.75 ± 2.25 vs 18.37 ± 1.0). As the study progressed, dexamethasone and prednisolone produced only modest acceleration of recovery. In contrast, Ozurdex substantially enhanced the resolution of inflammation, with OE scores significantly lower by day 14 (8.5 ± 0.5) as compared with saline control (15.2 ± 2.75). After the second TNF-α challenge, Ozurdex benefits became more pronounced, showing further reductions in chemosis, hyperemia, and discharge, and minimal iris hyperemia with the greatest difference from control observed on day 26 (Ozurdex 5.5 ± 0.5 vs. controls 12.25 ± 2.75).
Conclusions
Among all corticosteroid modalities tested, Ozurdex provided the fastest, most complete, and longest-lasting therapeutic benefit. Our findings support the use of Ozurdex as a superior intervention for controlling inflammation in experimental uveitis.
Odeta Adamonienė
ARVO 2026
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Authors
Odeta Adamonienė, Justyna Mozyro, Symantas Ragauskas, and Giedrius Kalesnykas
