Prospective Study on DEXTENZA® Safety And Efficacy Following Concomitant MIGS and Cataract Surgery

In this study, the investigators are comparing dexamethasone ophthalmic insert (DEXTENZA®) to the current standard of care, prednisolone acetate 1% eye drops, in a glaucoma population receiving both cataract and minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). DEXTENZA® and prednisolone acetate 1% drops are both steroids used to control inflammation after eye surgery. DEXTENZA®'s method of delivery differs by offering a sustained release of steroid that does not necessitate postoperative anti-inflammatory eye drops. The investigators hypothesize that DEXTENZA® will be as safe as prednisolone acetate 1% drops and as effective at controlling postoperative inflammation following concomitant cataract-MIGS in a glaucoma population. The investigators also hypothesize that DEXTENZA® will be preferred by patients over prednisolone acetate 1% drops.

Glaucoma and cataract surgery patients face an outsize postoperative burden. In addition to taking frequent anti-inflammatory eye drops, they often continue their glaucoma medications. This can cause patient confusion and nonadherence, potentially leading to poor healing, slower recovery period, and/or cystoid macular edema. DEXTENZA®, as a sustained release anti-inflammatory insert, could help preclude adherence difficulties and increase comfort by reducing eye drop load. However, glaucoma surgeons may hesitate to adopt DEXTENZA® due to concerns regarding safety with respect to elevated intraocular pressure. This prospective study will address those concerns directly, providing timely and high-quality clinical evidence comparing DEXTENZA® to standard-of-care steroid eye drops. For physicians and patients, the results of this study will prove immediately useful for therapeutic decision-making.