Intraocular dexamethasone delivery system for corneal transplantation in an animal model

Purpose. To assess the efficacy of a new intraocular biodegradable polymer dexamethasone drug delivery system (DEX DDS) in a high-risk corneal transplantation model. Methods. Lewis rats that received orthotopic corneal transplants (Balb/c mice donors) were divided into three groups (six rats in each): group 1 received no treatment and served as controls. group 2 was treated with 0.1% betamethasone eyedrops three times daily for 6 weeks, and group 3 received DEX DDS in the anterior chamber at the time of transplantation. Results. All grafts in the untreated control group were rejected within 8 days. In the betamethasone eyedrop group, five eyes (83%) were rejected during the 8-week study period. None of the grafts in the DEX DDS group was rejected. The administration of DEX DDS significantly prolonged the survival rate of the corneal grafts (p < 0.001, log-rank test). Conclusion. DEX DDS is effective in suppressing graft rejection in high-risk corneal transplantation.