Ozurdex is a tiny biodegradable implant containing 0.7 mg of the corticosteroid dexamethasone, injected into the vitreous to reduce macular oedema (swelling at the centre of the retina). It is MHRA-licensed and NICE-recommended for diabetic macular oedema, macular oedema after retinal vein occlusion, and non-infectious posterior uveitis. UK 2026 private self-pay pricing starts from around £1,800 per implant, typically £1,800–£2,800 depending on clinic and monitoring.
What is Ozurdex and how does it work?
Ozurdex (made by AbbVie/Allergan) is a sustained-release intravitreal implant about the size of a grain of rice. It is delivered through a single-use applicator in one quick injection. Once inside the eye it slowly dissolves, releasing dexamethasone — a potent anti-inflammatory steroid — over approximately four to six months before being fully resorbed, leaving nothing behind.
Macular oedema is fluid build-up in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It can blur and distort sight. Dexamethasone reduces the inflammation and leakage from damaged retinal blood vessels that drive this swelling, helping the macula dry out and vision to stabilise or improve. Because the steroid is released gradually, a single Ozurdex implant can do the work of several shorter-acting injections.
NICE has issued specific guidance supporting Ozurdex in the NHS for diabetic macular oedema (TA349), macular oedema following retinal vein occlusion (TA229) and non-infectious posterior uveitis (TA460). Privately, it is used in the same licensed indications, often where patients want fewer injections or have not responded fully to other treatments. You can read more about retinal vein occlusion injection treatment and explore our full range of treatments.
Who is Ozurdex suitable for?
Your consultant ophthalmic surgeon will assess your scans and history to decide whether Ozurdex is appropriate. It is often considered for people who:
- Have diabetic macular oedema (DMO), particularly if they have responded poorly to anti-VEGF injections, or have eyes that are pseudophakic (already had cataract surgery) or vitrectomised, where Ozurdex can work especially well.
- Have macular oedema following branch or central retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
- Have macular oedema caused by non-infectious posterior uveitis (inflammation inside the eye).
- Would prefer fewer injections, as one implant lasts months rather than weeks.
- Cannot easily attend frequent monthly appointments for shorter-acting therapy.
Ozurdex is generally avoided or used with caution in people with active eye infection, advanced glaucoma or a strong steroid-pressure response, and in some phakic patients where accelerating cataract is a concern. Your surgeon will weigh these factors with you.
The Ozurdex procedure
The injection itself takes only a few minutes and is carried out as a sterile in-clinic (day-case) procedure — no general anaesthetic or hospital stay is needed.
- Consultation and scans. You have a detailed assessment including OCT imaging of the macula to confirm the oedema and plan treatment.
- Preparation. Anaesthetic and antiseptic drops are applied to numb and clean the eye surface; a small lid holder keeps the eye open and comfortable.
- Implant delivery. Using the single-use applicator, the surgeon injects the dexamethasone implant through the white of the eye into the vitreous in one swift step.
- Immediate checks. Your eye pressure and the back of the eye are checked, and you rest briefly before going home the same day.
Wondering whether Ozurdex is right for your eyes? Our team can arrange a consultant assessment.
Request a consultationWhat to expect and recovery
Same day
Mild grittiness, a small red patch on the white of the eye, and possibly a few floaters are normal. Most people return to gentle daily activities the same day.
First 1–2 weeks
Vision may fluctuate as the macula settles. Use any prescribed drops and avoid rubbing the eye. Report any worsening pain, redness or vision loss promptly.
4–8 weeks
A follow-up scan checks how the oedema is responding. Eye pressure is monitored because steroids can raise intraocular pressure in some people.
4–6 months
The effect of the implant gradually wears off. Your surgeon reviews whether a repeat implant or alternative treatment is needed.
Key risks to understand. The two effects to watch with any intraocular steroid are raised intraocular pressure (which usually responds to drops but must be monitored) and progression of cataract in eyes that still have their natural lens. Rare risks shared by all intravitreal injections include infection (endophthalmitis), retinal detachment and bleeding. Regular monitoring is an essential part of Ozurdex treatment.
How Ozurdex compares to other treatments
Ozurdex is one of several options for macular oedema, and the right choice depends on the cause, your previous response and how often you can attend.
- Anti-VEGF injections (such as aflibercept/Eylea, faricimab/Vabysmo and ranibizumab/Lucentis) are usually the first-line treatment for diabetic macular oedema and RVO. They are not steroids, so they avoid steroid-related pressure rise and cataract, but they are given more frequently. Learn about anti-VEGF injection treatment and the newer faricimab (Vabysmo) injection.
- Iluvien (fluocinolone acetonide) is a longer-acting steroid implant that can release medication for up to about three years, used in chronic diabetic macular oedema insufficiently responsive to other therapies. It lasts far longer than Ozurdex but carries similar steroid-related risks; see the Iluvien implant cost guide.
- Laser treatment may be combined with injections in some diabetic eyes; see diabetic retinopathy laser treatment cost.
For some chronic or complex cases, vitreoretinal surgery may also be discussed. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate pathway for your eyes.
How much does private Ozurdex cost in the UK?
Private Ozurdex treatment in the UK in 2026 typically costs from £1,800 per implant, with most clinics in the region of £1,800–£2,800 per injection depending on location, consultant fees and the imaging and pressure monitoring included. Because the effect lasts around four to six months, repeat implants may be needed over time, so it is worth discussing the likely number of treatments at your consultation.
Many patients use private medical insurance, and 0% finance is available to spread the cost. For a full breakdown, see our Ozurdex implant cost guide or browse all treatment prices.