(C9034). For around
3 years, Dexycu will
have transitional
pass-through status
from CMS, says the
company.
• Dextenza from
Ocular Therapeutix
is a preservative-free
corticosteroid intra-
canalicular insert
that Dr. Hovanesian
says should gain
FDA approval in the first quarter of 2019. The punctal depot, which is
made of hydrogel, is placed through the punctum in the lower eyelid
at the end of surgery. The gel swells as it absorbs water and remains
firmly in place as it slowly dissolves to deliver dexamethasone to the
eye's ocular surface for 30 days. Dr. Hovanesian says it's easy to
remove the depot if the patient experiences any adverse events.
"Dextenza has a retention rate of about 95%, which is far better than
a patient's typical compliance with a post-op drop regimen," he adds.
• Inveltys from Kala Pharmaceuticals is a loteprednol etabonate
ophthalmic suspension topical corticosteroid comprised of mucus-
penetrating particles, which promotes rapid delivery of the medica-
tion into the eye. That rapid delivery, says Dr. Hovanesian, means
Inveltys provides the benefit of a potent steroid without such side
effects as intraocular pressure spikes.
The drug is indicated for twice-a-day treatment after surgery, instead
of the standard 4 times daily regimen. That's a significant advantage,
says Dr. Hovanesian, who points out that a majority of cataract
5 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8
• GOING DROPLESS Injecting anti-inflammatories into the eye during surgery lessens
the burden of topical post-op medication regimens for patients.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
