Comparing the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant versus conbercept in refractory diabetic macular edema: A retrospective cohort study

作者：张 琪, Lina Liu, Chunqiong Dong, Xinyan Dou, Jiayu Zheng, Jing Wang, Pengfei Diao · 发表于：Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105407 · 研究领域：Retinal Diseases and Treatments、Ocular Diseases and Behçet’s Syndrome、Retinal and Macular Surgery

PURPOSE: Refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) remains a therapeutic challenge despite anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. This study compares the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implants and conbercept in patients with refractory DME. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 317 eyes from 317 patients with refractory DME who had received at least three prior anti-VEGF injections. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment they received: the DEX group (n = 125) and the conbercept group (n = 192). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded in logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR) units. Central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and adverse events were assessed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in BCVA and reductions in CMT. The DEX group achieved greater BCVA gains at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05), but differences were not significant at 12 months (P = 0.229). CMT reduction was more pronounced in the DEX group at 3 and 12 months (P < 0.05), with no significant difference observed at 6 months (P > 0.05). IOP increased significantly in the DEX group at each follow-up visit (all P < 0.001), with a higher incidence of ocular hypertension (21.6% vs. 3.6%, P < 0.001). Cataract surgery was more common in the DEX group (8.8% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: DEX implants provide better short-term e...