Steroid implant may beat standard injections for diabetic eye swelling before cataract surgery

NCT ID NCT03832179

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Bay Area Retina Associates Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a steroid implant (Ozurdex) or anti-VEGF injections (Avastin, Lucentis, or Eylea) work better to prevent worsening of diabetic macular edema after cataract surgery. Sixteen adults with diabetes and pre-existing eye swelling received one treatment before surgery. Researchers measured changes in retinal thickness and vision over three months after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, Aflibercept (anti-VEGF drugs) or Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that a steroid implant before cataract surgery better controls swelling and vision loss in people with diabetic macular edema.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, completed phase 4 trial with only 16 participants, so results may not apply widely. Both treatments have risks like infection or increased eye pressure.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cataract diabetic macular edema

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CATARACT DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Bay Area Retina Associates

Walnut Creek, California, 94598, United States

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