Purpose: To report a rare case of subretinal migration of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy in a vitrectomized eye and the surgical outcome.
Observations: A pars plana vitrectomy and a retinotomy were performed to remove the implant and restore vision.
Conclusion and importance: Subretinal dislodgement of intravitreal implants is a rare and preventable complication. In the current case, we speculated that this complication might have been related to the injection technique, a possible unrecognized retinal perforation before the injection of the implant, or delayed treatment with the implant. Because a retinal detachment and vitreoretinal proliferation were observed, surgical management was required. Increasing widespread application of any technology may lead to a more significant risk of complications, and ophthalmologists should be aware of this potential risk.