The present invention refers to a method of making a biodegradable intraocular implant, comprising the step of extruding a mixture of an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a biodegradable polymer component to form a biodegradable material that releases drug at a rate effective to sustain release of an amount of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist from the implant for a time effective to reduce ocular vascular occlusion in an eye in which the implant is placed, the time being at least about one week after the implant is placed in the eye.