The effectiveness of the 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant in treating non-infectious posterior uveitis: a real-world experience

Background The 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN) has been approved for prevention of relapse in recurrent non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye (NIU-PS). There is little data assessing the long-term efficacy and safety of the FAc implant in this indication. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective interventional case review of 18 eyes from 13 patients with NIU-PS treated with the FAc implant at three ophthalmology departments in the Middle East between 2018 and 2021. Main text Baseline patient characteristics, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and intraocular pressure (IOP), were collected at the time of FAc implant administration and at 1–3 months, 6 months and every six months thereafter. The mean time of follow-up was 29.7 ± 14.6 (mean ± SD) months. Over the follow-up, the BCVA significantly increased from month 1 ( P = 0.002) until month 36 ( P = 0.024) and remained improving throughout the follow-up period ( P = 0.004). The CRT significantly decreased from month 1 ( P = 0.008) until month 12 ( P = 0.003) and was persistently lower during the follow-up period ( P = 0.022). Significant improvements in anterior chamber cells ( P = 0.004) and vitritis scores ( P = 0.001) were observed by Month 6. Similarly, at Month 12, significant improvements were noted in both parameters as well (anterior chamber cells: P = 0.012; vitritis scores: P = 0.004). Mean IOP remained relatively stable throughout ( P = 0.205) the follow-up. Conclusions Our results suggest improvements and long-term maintenance in functional and anatomical outcomes with FAc implant with a manageable safety profile in a real-world clinical setting in patients with NIU-PS.