Iluvien^® and Ozurdex are changing the landscape of diabetic eye disease treatment and DME

The Macula Center has expanded the array of leading-edge treatments available to diabetic patients with the additions of Ozurdex and now, Iluvien^®, two treatments for DME (Diabetic Macular Edema).

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a disease that affects the macula—the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It is the primary cause of vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy eye disease. Its onset is painless and may go undetected until it manifests with blurring of central vision or acute vision loss.

Founded in 2003 by Dana M. Deupree, MD, FACS, The Macula Center was one of the first practices in Florida and one of a very few nationwide to offer the Iluvien treatment for DME.

“Excellence in eye care is our sole focus,” said Dr. Deupree, a board-certified ophthalmologist and retina specialist. “Adding the innovative Iluvien and Ozurdex treatments is a natural extension of our clinic’s dedication to excellence and allows us to provide new hope to our diabetic patients with DME”

Iluvien for DME

Iluvien is approved in the U.S. for DME patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids which did not result in a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure. It is a tiny implant that provides long-term relief from macular swelling by releasing very small levels of an anti-inflammatory medication into the eye over a period of 36 months.

“Retinal diseases associated with diabetes seriously impact patients’ quality of life, often taking away the freedoms associated with such basic daily activities as driving. Exacerbating their struggle is the limited access to effective long-term treatments,” said Dr. Deupree. “Iluvien holds great promise for returning to these individuals control over their lives by restoring their vision with minimal intervention and discomfort.”

Ozurdex for DME

Ozurdex is a drug-filled (corticosteroid) implant injected into the eye’s vitreous, the gel-like substance filling the inside of the eyeball.
The implant is approved for treating adults with macular edema (swelling) caused by diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion. The implant doesn’t ever need to be removed because it slowly dissolves over time inside the eye, releasing its medication.

“We’ve been using Ozurdex for several years and we’ve been quite happy with the results that our patients have enjoyed,” said Dr. Deupree.

For more than 24 years, Tampa Bay retina specialist, Dana M. Deupree, MD, FACS, has successfully treated Eye diseases and conditions of the retina and vitreous and their complications. Dr. Deupree is a board-certified ophthalmologist, vitreo-retina specialist and surgeon. At his Clearwater state-of-the-art eye clinic, The Macula Center, Dr. Deupree treats thousands of retina patients every year. He has equipped The Macula Center with the latest technology — most recently, Iluvien treatment for DME.

More information at:

Iluvien

Ozurdex